Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Doha: Japan coach Makoto Teguramori never doubted his team’s ability to fight back and claim the AFC U23 Championship title, even when Korea Republic led by two goals with less than 30 minutes remaining.
Two goals from substitute Takuma Asano either side of a Shinya Yajima header inside the final 23 minutes saw the Japanese overturn a two-goal deficit after Kwon Chang-hoon and Jin Seon-guk had given the South Koreans the advantage.
Japan will now go to the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro later this year as Asian champions, where they will represent Asia alongside Korea Republic and third-place finishers Iraq.
“I never thought we were completely defeated because I knew if we could control the ball we could endure and still manage the game,” said the former Vegalta Sendai coach.
“I missed the opportunity to get our two forward players into the game, but on the other hand, I was feeling that we were dictating the game in the second half and I knew that we had enough key players who could move us forward. So I was pretty calm.”
Japan were second best for much of the first half, with Kwon putting the South Koreans in front in the 27th minute while, two minutes after the restart, Shin Tae-yong’s side doubled their advantage via Jin.
Asano’s introduction in the 60th minute, however, swung the game in Japan’s favour, with the Sanfrecce Hiroshima man halving the deficit seven minutes later before Yajima levelled the scores with a header into the top corner just a minute later.
The goals gave the Japanese a significant boost and, with just nine minutes to go, Asano ensured the trophy went back to Tokyo when he slotted past Korea Republic keeper Kim Dong-jun.
“It was a really dramatic game and it’s great we won the Asian title,” continued Teguramori. “I told the players today that we should show everyone our bravery and move the Japanese fans. I’m really glad that we have achieved this objective.
“My plan was to win the game in the second half and for it to end 2-0 since both teams have been playing a lot. Of course there was the thought that anything could happen, but I thought our opponents would slow down and that would be when we would dictate the game.
“We conceded in the first half and in the first minutes of the second half so they were two goals ahead of us and I was surprised because I hadn’t thought about that.
“However, we have tried to control the game in the second half and it was a success and I’m relieved that we were able to overcome the Koreans with the three goals.”
Teguramori is now looking forward to his team’s participation in Brazil, when the Japanese will look to build on their semi-final appearance in London four years ago.
“In order to participate at the Olympic games, we need to improve every aspect of our team,” he said. “I’m aware that both offensively and in defence, we have to improve. There’s more to do to improve this team.
“Throughout this tournament I have been living with the players and I could feel they were willing to improve and I’m aware that they have the ability to improve. This is why were able to win today.”
Photo: AFC