"Even the Referee Favored Korea, but Korea Was Too Poor" - Japanese Football Fans Celebrate Korea-Japan Victory

The Growing Divide: Japan's Dominance Over Korea in East Asian Football

The 2025 East Asian Cup final between Korea and Japan on July 15th at Yongin Mireu Stadium wasn't just another match – it was a stark reminder of how the football landscape has shifted in East Asia. Japan's 1-0 victory over Korea marked their third consecutive win against their traditional rivals, a feat that would have been unthinkable just a decade ago. The match, played in front of 18,418 spectators, saw American-Japanese forward Ryo Germain score the decisive goal in the 8th minute, capitalizing on a cross from Yuki Soma. This victory not only secured Japan's second consecutive East Asian Cup title but also highlighted a painful reality for Korean football – the gap between the two nations has widened significantly. Coach Hong Myung-bo's team, despite playing at home with what many considered a stronger squad composition, failed to break through Japan's organized defense. The defeat was particularly stinging as it came after Korea had dominated possession (58%-42%) and had more shots (9-4), yet managed only one shot on target.

Historical Context: From Asia's Tiger to the Hunted

The significance of this three-game losing streak cannot be overstated in the context of Korea-Japan football rivalry. Historically, Korea held the edge in this matchup with an overall record of 42 wins, 23 draws, and 17 losses against Japan. However, since the 2010s, the tide has turned dramatically. Korea now trails with only 4 wins, 4 draws, and 5 losses in recent encounters. The previous two defeats – both crushing 3-0 losses in 2021 and 2022 – had already signaled trouble, but this latest defeat at home makes the trend undeniable. What makes this even more remarkable is that Japan achieved this dominance with what they consider their "5th string" team, composed entirely of J-League players. Meanwhile, Korea fielded what could be considered their "1.5 string" team, including many players who had participated in World Cup qualifying matches. This disparity in squad strength yet similar results speaks volumes about the development gap between the two nations' domestic leagues and overall football infrastructure.

Fan Reactions: Confidence Meets Resignation

The reaction from Japanese football fans has been one of confident satisfaction rather than surprised celebration. On social media and in comment sections of major sports outlets, Japanese supporters expressed sentiments that victory over Korea has become expected rather than hoped for. One fan commented, "This was a good test for both offense and defense. We won and took the championship as a bonus," while another noted, "Japan fielded only J-League players as a 5th string team, while Korea had about half the members who also played in World Cup qualifiers as a 1.5 string team". Perhaps most telling was the comment: "Even with the referee favoring Korea at their home ground, Japan still won. This tournament showed that the skill gap between the two countries has widened beyond imagination." The tone wasn't one of gloating but rather matter-of-fact acknowledgment of a new reality. Some fans even expressed concerns about the lack of competitive balance, with one stating, "Now it's becoming natural for Japan to win. It won't be fun unless other Asian countries get stronger."

Tactical Analysis: Where Korea Fell Short

From a tactical perspective, the match exposed several critical weaknesses in Korea's approach. Despite Coach Hong Myung-bo's attempts to experiment with a back-three formation throughout the tournament, the team struggled to create clear-cut chances against Japan's well-organized defense. The crucial moment came in the 7th minute when Na Sang-ho's right-footed shot hit the far post, a missed opportunity that would prove costly just seconds later. Japan's response was immediate and clinical – Yuki Soma's cross from the left flank found Ryo Germain, who converted with a perfectly timed volley. What followed was a masterclass in game management from Japan, who absorbed Korea's pressure while maintaining their defensive shape. Korea's best chance came late in the match when substitute Lee Ho-jae attempted an acrobatic volley, only to be denied by a brilliant save from Japanese goalkeeper Keisuke Osako. The tactical discipline shown by Japan, particularly their ability to maintain concentration for the full 90 minutes, highlighted the mental strength that has become characteristic of their recent performances.

The Broader Implications: J-League's Rising Standards

Japan's victory with an entirely J-League-based squad has significant implications for Asian football development. The Japanese Football Channel celebrated this achievement, calling it proof of "J-League's pride". This success validates the long-term investment Japan has made in their domestic league structure, youth development, and coaching education. The fact that players who have never been capped at senior international level could come together and dominate a regional tournament speaks to the systematic approach Japan has taken to football development. In contrast, Korea's reliance on overseas-based players and the apparent gap between their domestic league and international standards suggests structural issues that need addressing. The tournament format, which doesn't require FIFA's mandatory player release rules, naturally favored domestic-based squads, but Japan's dominance even under these conditions indicates their domestic league's superior quality.

Cultural Impact: Shifting Perceptions and Future Challenges

The cultural impact of this defeat extends beyond mere statistics. For Korean football fans, the reality that their team has been overtaken by Japan in a sport where they once held dominance is difficult to accept. Online communities have been buzzing with discussions about what went wrong and how to address the widening gap. The attendance figure of 18,418 fans for the final, while the highest of the tournament, still represented only about half the capacity of Yongin Mireu Stadium. This lukewarm reception reflects the broader challenges facing Korean football – from generating public interest to developing world-class domestic talent. The presence of hundreds of Japanese "Ultra Nippon" fans, who were reportedly louder than the Korean supporters despite being vastly outnumbered, symbolized the shifting dynamics in East Asian football. For Japan, this victory represents not just sporting success but validation of their methodical approach to football development, setting the stage for continued regional dominance.

Looking Forward: The Road to Recovery

As Korea grapples with this new reality, the path forward requires honest assessment and systematic change. The three consecutive defeats to Japan – all shutouts totaling 7-0 – cannot be dismissed as mere bad luck or tactical missteps. They represent a fundamental shift in the balance of power in East Asian football. For Korean football to regain its competitive edge, significant investments in coaching education, youth development, and domestic league quality will be necessary. The fact that Japan achieved this dominance with domestic players only should serve as a wake-up call for Korean football administrators. Meanwhile, Japan's success story offers a blueprint for sustainable football development in Asia, emphasizing the importance of strong domestic foundations over reliance on overseas talent. As the dust settles on the 2025 East Asian Cup, both nations face different challenges – Japan must maintain their upward trajectory while Korea must rebuild from a position of acknowledged inferiority, a situation that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago.