Koizumi’s goal sends Japan to the U-23 Asian Cup final

The U-23 Asian Cup has reached its decisive stage. In the continental championship for under-23 players hosted by Saudi Arabia, the semi-finals kicked off and the first finalist was confirmed.

Japan and South Korea faced off for a place in the final. The match was entertaining and played at a relentless pace. However, the only change on the scoreboard came in the 36th minute: Japanese defender Kaito Koizumi struck accurately to put his team ahead. That goal decided the game — 1:0.

As a result, the representatives of the “Land of the Rising Sun” secured a ticket to the final. Korea will now play in the third-place match to finish the tournament with a bronze medal.

U-23 Asian Cup

Japan – South Korea 1:0

Goal: Koizumi 37’

Japan: 23.Araki, 2.Umeki, 4.Nagano, 5.Ichihara (Okabe, 66), 6.Ogura, 10.Sato, 13.Ishibashi (Yokoyama, 65), 16.Koizumi, 17.Shimamoto (Ishivatari, 84), 18.Kume (Furuya, 65), 19.Michivaki (Nvadike, 65).

South Korea: 21.Xong Seon Min, 2.Kan Minjun, 3.Bae Xyunseo (Li Chanouk, 81), 5.Lee Xyung Yong, 7.Kang Seong Jin (Jun Jihun, 88), 8.Kim Dong Jin (Jeong Jayesang, 89), 15.Bayek Gaon (Kim Tae Von, 58), 17.Kim Yong Xak (Yun Sin Be, 58), 19.Lee Geon Xee, 22.Jang Seok Xvan, 23.Shin Min Xa.

Booking: Ogura (70).

All eyes now turn to the final: Japan can feel they are one step away from the trophy. Korea will try to draw the right lessons from this defeat and show character in the third-place match.