Japanese football could not hide its disappointment after failing to achieve a joint victory for both men and women. The men's national team succeeded in defeating Korea, but the women's national team was ultimately held back by a late equalizer by Korea.
On the 16th, 'Soccer King' reported, "The East Asian Cup has concluded. The Japanese men's national football team achieved back-to-back championships, but 'Nadeshiko Japan' finished unexpectedly in third place."
The 2025 East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) E-1 Championship (East Asian Cup) concluded on the 16th with the women's final. The men's competition ended a day earlier with Korea losing to Japan 0-1. Japan became champion again with three wins out of three matches, while Korea finished second with two wins and one loss.
In the women's division, a different outcome emerged. Under the leadership of coach Shin Sang-woo, the Korean women's national football team defeated Taiwan 2-0 in the final match, reclaiming the title after 20 years. Korea secured victory with a penalty kick opener by Ji So-yeon in the 25th minute of the second half, followed by a decisive goal by Jang Seul-gi in the 40th minute.
With one win, two draws, and five points, Korea ended up tied with Japan and China, but emerged as the champion due to having the most total goals in their head-to-head encounters. This was thanks to Japan and China drawing 0-0 in the final. If one team had won that match, they could have confirmed the championship, but the draw without any goals paved the way for Korea's ideal scenario.
The Shin Sang-woo-led team drew 2-2 with China in the first match and also had a 1-1 draw against Japan. In both matches, Ji So-yeon and Jeong Da-bin scored dramatic equalizers at the last moments, allowing the team to earn points. Finally, with the victory over Taiwan in the last match, they successfully achieved their first championship since winning the inaugural title in 2005.
'Living legend' Ji So-yeon also claimed her first major tournament trophy. She stepped onto the final stage for the first time at the 2022 Asian Cup but faced disappointment with a 2-3 loss to China. However, in this tournament, she played a key role by scoring an equalizer against China and the winning goal against Taiwan.
Japanese football has handed the trophy to Korea. They dreamed of a joint victory in both men and women's competitions but ultimately lost by a narrow margin. In particular, the Japanese women's football team was aiming for back-to-back titles in the East Asian Cup, making the disappointment even greater.
'Soccer King' reported, "Nadeshiko Japan, who aimed for a third consecutive title in the tournament, unexpectedly finished third. In a chaotic situation where Japan, China, and Korea all recorded one win and two draws, the Korea women's team, which had the most total goals in their head-to-head encounters according to tournament regulations, took home the championship trophy."
Japanese captain Takahashi Hana also seemed to sense the failure of winning after the match against China, stating, "We had prepared to win, but I am disappointed with my lack of skill." Japanese 'Sankei' reported, "In a match where a win would secure the championship, we were unable to score," and added, "Captain Hana expressed her frustration after the match."
Meanwhile, the next tournament of the East Asian Cup, which determines the strongest team in East Asia, will be held in China in 2028. The following tournament is scheduled to take place in Japan in 2030. Unlike this tournament, both will be held in January.
[Photo] Provided by the Korea Football Association.
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