"We have kept losing to South Korea, but this time we will turn the tables," Japan captain declares war... "The Asian champion is Japan" [Aichi-Nagoya AG]

*This content was translated by AI.

"We have never been able to beat South Korea. This time, we will turn it around."

Japan, which faces South Korea in the final of the men's football tournament at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, has shown a strong desire for revenge.

The South Korean U-23 national football team, led by coach Lee Min-seong, will face Japan in the final of the men's football tournament at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games at 7:30 p.m. on the 3rd at Toyota Stadium in Japan.

South Korea is aiming for a historic four consecutive titles at the Games.

Having claimed the top spot consecutively at the 2014 Incheon, 2018 Jakarta-Palembang, and 2022 Hangzhou Games, South Korea has reached the final of this tournament as well, securing another opportunity to stand atop Asia.

The opponent in the final is the "eternal rival," Japan.

Japan also harbors a strong desire for revenge against South Korea. In particular, they lost to South Korea in both of the last two men's football finals at the Asian Games.

Japanese media outlet Soccer Digest reported, "Against South Korea, who is aiming for four consecutive titles, Japan has lost in both of the recent two Asian Games finals," adding, "That memory continues to be felt by the current players as well."

It further emphasized, "The desire not to lose this time is extremely strong."

In this context, Japanese captain Ichihara Rion (AZ Alkmaar) revealed a strong will to win.

According to reports, Ichihara said, "Even before the tournament began, I imagined the scene of meeting South Korea in the final and winning."

He added, "That situation has actually become reality," stating, "Now we have truly reached a place where we can win with our own strength. I am excited."

Above all, he did not hide his desire for revenge against South Korea.

Ichihara emphasized, "Because it is difficult to beat South Korea at the Asian Games, we want to reverse that trend in our generation."

He identified Lee Young-jun (Grasshopper), a "tall 192cm forward," as a key player for South Korea.

Regarding Lee Young-jun, Ichihara said, "He is tall and strong, and his movement when receiving crosses is good," adding, "We want to discuss that aspect among the players and defend it well."

He continued, "Personally, he is a player who plays overseas just like me. He is not an easy opponent to face," stating firmly, "I will defend him with a sense of responsibility."

Ichihara repeatedly emphasized that South Korea is a rival.

He said, "South Korea is a good rival in Asia," adding, "I consider them a rival because they can help each other improve."

However, at the end, he revealed strong confidence by stating, "This is a good opportunity to show that Japan is the Asian champion."

Japan's last time standing atop the Asian Games was at the 2010 Guangzhou Games. They are challenging for their first title in 16 years through this tournament.

On the other hand, South Korea has maintained its position as the strongest in men's football at the Asian Games by winning three consecutive previous tournaments. It is also considered one of the strongest contenders for the title in this tournament.

Soccer Digest explained, "Rival South Korea, which can receive military service benefits if it wins, has assembled a team with its best U-23 players and utilized all three wildcards."

It added, "The South Korean squad includes nine overseas-based players, and four of them participated in the North-Central America World Cup this summer," noting, "South Korea's will to win is very strong, just like in previous tournaments."

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*This content was translated by AI.