Lee Ho-jae (25, Pohang) made a strong impression in the Korea-Japan match.
The men's soccer national team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, lost 0-1 to their rivals Japan in the third match of the 2025 East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) E-1 Championship (East Asian Cup) held on the 15th at 7:24 p.m. at Yongin Mirs Stadium, failing to reclaim the championship trophy.
Japan, with three consecutive wins, achieved its third overall title. Korea still holds the most championships with five wins but has fallen behind Japan in two consecutive tournaments. In particular, it is the first time Korea has lost three consecutive matches to Japan.
Korea was not lucky, as Na Sang-ho's shot hit the goalpost in the first half. Overpowered in the midfield battle, Korea struggled to mount effective attacks. Lee Dong-gyeong's shot and free kick were also blocked.
In the 8th minute of the first half, Germain Ryo scored the opening goal during a counterattack by Japan. Although coach Hong Myung-bo's three-back formation had more players, it did not defend effectively.
The best scoring opportunity came in the second half. Substitute Lee Ho-jae connected with a cross from Oh Se-hoon with a mid-air bicycle kick. It was a near miss due to the opposing goalkeeper's incredible reflexes, but it was Korea's only shot on target.
After the match, coach Hong Myung-bo noted, 'We have discovered some players. If they continue to perform consistently, they will have a chance to compete in the World Cup.'
Lee Ho-jae, who made his A-match debut in the East Asian Cup, also scored an additional goal against Hong Kong. Standing at 192 cm, the tall striker Lee Ho-jae has brought a fresh breeze in the forward position, previously contested by existing players Jung Jin-kyu, Oh Se-hoon, and Oh Hyun-kyu. He is especially adept at winning aerial balls, making him versatile.
Lee Ho-jae said, 'Scoring against Hong Kong gave me confidence for the Korea-Japan match. I regret not finishing with a goal.'
Jo Kyu-sung, who scored two goals in the match against Ghana in the Qatar World Cup, was also a K-League player at that time. There is no law saying that Lee Ho-jae cannot push aside the established players and go to the World Cup. Lee Ho-jae's surprising emergence has intensified competition for positions in the national team.
[OSEN]