South Korea beat Japan’s Tokyo 2020 side to win record fourth EAFF Football Championship
- Vancouver Whitecaps winger Hwang In-beom proves the difference in Busan against young side headed to home Olympics
- Hajime Moriyasu’s players pressed for an equaliser that would have seen them lift the trophy on goal difference
The biggest crowd of the EAFF Football Championships witnessed victory for the hosts over Japan in South Korea on Wednesday night.
A 1-0 win was enough to secure a third EAFF trophy in a row and a record fourth overall for Paulo Bento’s side at the Asiad Main Stadium in Busan.
The teams entered the game with a 100 per cent record at this year’s EAFF competition, both having beaten Hong Kong and China. However, Japan’s superior goal difference meant that a draw would have been enough to see them top the group.
That was likely behind South Korea’s early intent as they looked to create chances from the kick-off. They were easily on top from the outset and had fashioned the better chances, hitting the post twice.
The breakthrough goal was scored by Hwang In-beom after 28 minutes. The Vancouver Whitecaps schemer received the ball at the edge of the area, eluded the closest defender and fired through a crowd of Japanese players into the corner of the net.
