In an intense showdown in Yongin, South Korea, Japan, the defending champions, clinched a 2-0 victory over China in the 2025 EAFF E-1 Football Championship, also known as the East Asian Cup. The game kicked off with rapid energy as Mao Hosoya latched onto Satoshi Tanaka's precise pass to score in the 11th minute. Just six minutes later, China’s Zhang Yuning made a determined break but saw his shot saved with the rebound swung wide by Japan’s Wei Shihao.
Japan sealed the win in the 63rd minute when Henry Heroki Mochizuki delivered a powerful long-range strike, underscoring their dominant performance. This result marks China’s second consecutive loss, following a 3-0 defeat against hosts South Korea in the tournament's opening match on July 7.
Despite the setback, there’s a silver lining for China's side. Post-match, Zhang highlighted that the encounter offered invaluable experience, especially for the younger players who are rapidly gaining game-time. Caretaker coach Dejan Djurdjevic added that the introduction of new talents is a positive sign for future development. Sometimes, tough matches fuel the spark for a major comeback! ⚽🔥
For young football enthusiasts and emerging professionals across South and Southeast Asia, this game serves as a reminder: setbacks can be stepping stones for growth. Stay motivated and keep pushing forward on and off the field!
Reference(s):
China lose to Japan, suffer second straight loss at East Asian Cup
cgtn.com
