Japanese U23 Teens Outclass South Korea: 8 University Players Lead Team to 2nd Consecutive Final

On the evening of January 20, the U23 Asian Cup semifinal featured a thrilling clash: Japan vs South Korea. Japan scored first and retreated to solid defense in the final stages, eventually winning 1-0 and advancing to the final for the second consecutive tournament.

Remarkably, Japan fielded 8 university students, with an average age of just 20.1—the youngest squad among the 16 teams. Yet this youthful side excelled, winning all three group-stage matches and prevailing in a penalty shootout against Jordan in the quarterfinals.

In the semifinal, Japan dominated early. In the first 30 minutes, Daikyo Hoso missed two one-on-one chances. In the 35th minute, a corner saw Nagano Shuto’s header saved, and Koizumi Yoshikazu followed up to score, making it 1-0. South Korea threatened multiple times in the second half—hitting the crossbar and a powerful shot near the penalty spot that goalkeeper Araki Ryuuhei brilliantly saved—but could not equalize.

Japan finished the match 1-0, scoring 12 goals in 5 games with a potent attack. With a full-strength U23 squad, they could be nearly unstoppable in the tournament. In the final, they will face the winner of China vs Vietnam.