'Korea-Japan Final' Scenario in Sight! Japan Also Defeats North Korea to Reach Semifinals, Faces Uzbekistan... Korea's Semifinal Opponent is China [Aichi Nagoya AG]

*This content was translated by AI.

The long-awaited Korea-Japan final scenario is gradually becoming reality. The 'eternal rival' Japan has also advanced to the semifinals.

The Japanese U-21 national football team defeated North Korea 1-0 in the quarterfinals of the men's football tournament at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, held on the 26th at Toyota Stadium in Aichi Prefecture, Japan.

The decisive moment came in the 39th minute of the first half.

Japanese mixed-heritage forward Enwadike Uchega penetrated behind the defense, won a physical battle against an opposing defender, and then calmly struck with his right foot in a one-on-one situation against the goalkeeper to shake the net.

The North Korean defense vigorously protested that Enwadike had pushed the defender just before shooting, but the call was not overturned.

Japan held its one-goal lead until the end and secured its ticket to the semifinals.

With this victory, Japan has succeeded in reaching the Asian Games semifinals for three consecutive tournaments.

The semifinal opponent is Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan advanced to the semifinals by defeating 'the powerhouse of the Middle East,' Saudi Arabia, in the previously held quarterfinals.

On the other side, Korea and China will clash for a spot in the final.

Led by coach Lee Min-seong, Korea defeated Vietnam 4-0 in the quarterfinals to advance to the semifinals.

Korea is challenging for its first-ever four consecutive men's football gold medals in Asian Games history.

Starting with Incheon 2014, followed by Jakarta-Palembang 2018 and the 2022 Hangzhou tournament held in 2023, Korea has won three consecutive gold medals and now needs just two more victories to achieve a four-peat.

If Korea and Japan defeat China and Uzbekistan respectively, a Korea-Japan final will be realized for the gold medal.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.