EAFF Championship
Japan finished top of the group with nine points with Korea Republic three adrift.
Henry Heroki Mochizuki’s pace gave Korea Republic an early scare as the Machida Zelvia defender combined well with Germain on the right flank before being subdued by the Korean defence.
The first real chance fell to Korea Republic in the sixth minute with Na Sang-ho breaking through the left channel, moving into the box only to send his low shot crashing against the left post.
Japan, however, were in the driver’s seat a minute later after Yuki Soma delivered the perfect cross for Germain to fire a crisp volley home for his fifth goal of the tournament.
Korea Republic searched for the equaliser but wasted several chances as Japan kept a tight defence to prevent their opponents’ high press.
Hong Myung-bo’s side carried the same intensity into the second half and threatened the Japanese defence at the hour mark with Kim Jin-Kyu setting up Park Jin-seop, who flashed his effort wide.
Moments later, Japan came under pressure again stemming from a long buildup with Lee Dong-gyeong seeing his effort blocked from just above the six-yard-box.
With the clock winding down Korea Republic brought on Moon Seon-min, Oh Se-hun and Lee Ho-jae and it almost bore fruit in the 84th minute after the latter nodded the ball to Lee, whose acrobatic attempt was saved superbly by Keisuke Osako.
Japan showed nerves of steel to hold off Korea Republic’s attacks as Hajime Moriyasu’s side held firm to secure the win and their third title.
Photos: EAFF
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