AFC U17 Asian Cup
The two-time champions were left chasing the game after conceding three first-half goals, with Japan taking control through a dominant opening period.
However, China PR responded with determination after the restart, striking twice to ignite hopes of a remarkable comeback, only to fall short at the very end.
However, China PR responded with determination after the restart, striking twice to ignite hopes of a remarkable comeback, only to fall short at the very end.
#U17AC - Final: China PR 2-3 Japan
“Well, as you all saw, in the first half we simply couldn’t defend well and we couldn’t build our attacks. I think it was a first half where we allowed Japan to bring out their best qualities far too easily,” said Ukishima.
“Conceding three goals and our inability to consistently progress the ball were ultimately the decisive factors in the game.”
“The biggest factor was the 3-0 scoreline in the first half. We had to come out in the second half at a much higher tempo and I think the players responded well.”
“Conceding three goals and our inability to consistently progress the ball were ultimately the decisive factors in the game.”
“The biggest factor was the 3-0 scoreline in the first half. We had to come out in the second half at a much higher tempo and I think the players responded well.”
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China PR’s fightback was sparked by Shuai Weihao, who set up Wang Xiang to pull one back in the 48th minute, with Zhao Songyuan then converting a penalty to bring them within touching distance of a comeback.
With just seconds left in stoppage time, they came close to finding the equaliser when Zhao rose highest to meet Xu Zhengpeng’s corner, but Japan goalkeeper Kosei Oshita produced a superb save to tip the ball away.
“The system we used after the break was not something we had prepared extensively for or used often before, so in that sense the players adapted very well.
“Because we defended better in the second half, we were able to transition into better attacking moments and I think our goal also came from that kind of situation.”
With just seconds left in stoppage time, they came close to finding the equaliser when Zhao rose highest to meet Xu Zhengpeng’s corner, but Japan goalkeeper Kosei Oshita produced a superb save to tip the ball away.
“The system we used after the break was not something we had prepared extensively for or used often before, so in that sense the players adapted very well.
“Because we defended better in the second half, we were able to transition into better attacking moments and I think our goal also came from that kind of situation.”
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Ukishima also highlighted the significance of the team’s journey through the tournament.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the supporters – not only those who came here, but also the many fans back in China PR who have been cheering for us. I am truly thankful to all of them. At the same time, we are very sorry that we could not win the title.
“However, I believe the journey the players went through to reach the semi-finals and final has been extremely significant for Chinese football. Across these six matches, we could clearly see their growth and that is something I want to commend them for.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the supporters – not only those who came here, but also the many fans back in China PR who have been cheering for us. I am truly thankful to all of them. At the same time, we are very sorry that we could not win the title.
“However, I believe the journey the players went through to reach the semi-finals and final has been extremely significant for Chinese football. Across these six matches, we could clearly see their growth and that is something I want to commend them for.
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