'Perfect Golden Performance by Korean Women's Basketball' → "What on Earth Did We Do?" Chinese Public Opinion Explodes... "Such Humiliation Has Never Happened Before" [Aichi Nagoya AG]

*This content was translated by AI.

Chinese public opinion has finally erupted. While praising the organizational strength and fighting spirit of the South Korean women's national basketball team that secured its first gold medal in 12 years at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, Chinese media are fiercely criticizing their own national team for being outmaneuvered by South Korea.

On the 27th, Chinese media outlet 'Sina Sports' reported: "South Korean women's basketball defeated Japan 75-70 to claim the Asian Games title. After building a 19-point lead in the first half and facing a fierce comeback attempt by Japan in the second half, the game was concluded with decisive performances by Kang I-seul in the final minutes of the fourth quarter." The report added: "This year's South Korean team achieved a miracle with only 11 players, lacking even a full roster of 12, as key duo members Park Ji-soo and Park Ji-hyun were absent."

The media also detailed a celebration scene where the South Korean team laid coach Park Soo-ho on the court and performed a traditional cheer while stepping on him. The report stated: "Players laid Coach Park on the ground and playfully hit him to celebrate their victory. Coach Park smiled broadly, having skillfully managed the game to prevent Japan from mounting a 20-point comeback. He also ensured all 11 players in the roster participated in the final match. Despite insufficient support from the Korean Basketball Association, the team united as one to write history."

In contrast, the gaze directed toward China's own women's national basketball team was cold. China had been eliminated from the finals after losing to South Korea 80-85 in the semi-finals held on the 25th. 'Sina Sports' commented: "Despite center players Zhang Ziwei and Luo Xinwei, standing at a combined height of 226cm, scoring 39 points together, they suffered humiliation due to poor outside shooting. Meanwhile, South Korea attempted 41 three-point shots and successfully made 12. The contrast in outside shooting was brutal." The outlet further criticized: "The national team essentially looked like it was begging with an empty trophy bowl."

The media also condemned the fact that despite possessing towering centers Zhang Ziwei and Luo Xinwei, who dominate on the Asian stage at 226cm, they failed to perform well from outside. Famous basketball commentator Yang Yi lamented during the semi-final match: "They missed all nine three-point shots until the end of the third quarter. They were only leading by four points thanks to Zhang Ziwei making nine out of ten shots for 20 points. I have never seen a game in 30 years where no three-pointers went in throughout the entire third quarter."

Chinese portal 'Sohu.com' also stated: "When guards gained possession, they either waited passively for their tall players to fight for position under the basket or made meaningless passes from outside, missing opportunities." The outlet pointed out: "South Korea secured victory through quick passing and bold three-point shooting despite lacking a traditional center. Every time China's switch defense was half a beat late, South Korean shots pierced the rim." With the men's national team suffering a 20-point defeat to Japan earlier in the same week, followed by the women's team collapsing weakly, local media outrage reached its peak.

Defeating China, once considered the top favorite for the championship, South Korean women's basketball secured a historic gold medal by defeating host nation Japan 75-70 in the final held at the Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, Japan, on the 26th.

South Korea took an early lead of 27-15 thanks to Lee Hae-ran's outstanding performance in the first quarter, scoring 11 points. By the end of the second quarter, a long-range buzzer-beater by Lee So-hee extended their lead to 42-23 at halftime. Although the game saw a 20-point gap open up during the third quarter, it narrowed to just two points in the fourth quarter. However, Kang I-seul and Lee Hae-ran calmly converted free throws earned through opponent fouls, securing a five-point victory.

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*This content was translated by AI.