On Tuesday 15 July, SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) faced the Korea Republic National Team at Yongin Mireu Stadium in the EAFF E-1 Football Championship 2025 Final Korea Republic.

Japan maintained the same 3-4-2-1 formation used in their previous two matches but rotated ten players from the starting line-up against China PR. In goal was OSAKO Keisuke (Sanfrecce Hiroshima). The back three consisted of ANDO Tomoya (Avispa Fukuoka), ARAKI Hayato (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), and KOGA Taiyo (Kashiwa Reysol). On the flanks, MOCHIZUKI Henry Heroki (FC Machida Zelvia) took the right wing-back position, with SOMA Yuki (FC Machida Zelvia) on the left. The central midfield pairing featured INAGAKI Sho (Nagoya Grampus) and KAWABE Hayao (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), while the two attacking midfielders were GERMAIN Ryo (Sanfrecce Hiroshima) and MIYASHIRO Taisei (Vissel Kobe). Leading the line as the sole striker was KAKITA Yuki (Kashiwa Reysol).

Both teams went into the match having won their previous two games, but Japan had the advantage on goal difference and only needed a draw to retain the title. Nevertheless, Japan started strongly from the outset and converted their early momentum into a goal in just the 8th minute. Soma delivered a cross from the left flank, which Germain met inside the penalty area. Despite being challenged in a tight space, he struck the ball with his left foot to find the back of the net and record his fifth goal of the tournament.

While Japan had secured the crucial opener, Korea Republic, determined not to lose on home soil, began to assert themselves. Japan saw less of the ball and were pushed back into their own half. Although they retained their lead into the break, the second half saw the home side continue to play long balls, keeping Japan pinned in their own territory.

Nevertheless, the Japanese backline, anchored by Ando, Araki and Koga, stood firm to win the aerial battles, while Inagaki and Kawabe worked tirelessly to recover the second balls. In the 64th minute, Korea Republic threatened again when LEE Donggyeong broke into the box and unleashed a shot, only for Kawabe to make a heroic block and preserve the clean sheet.

As the game entered its final stages, Japan made two tactical substitutions in the 77th minute. Soma and Kawabe were replaced by UEDA Naomichi (Kashima Antlers) and UNO Zento (Shimizu S-Pulse). Uno took up a position in central midfield, while Ueda joined the left side of the back three. Koga consequently shifted to the left wing-back role, resulting in a rock-solid back line of five defenders, all of whom stood over 180 cm tall.

In the 84th minute, Japan faced a scare when LEE Hojae attempted a volley from close range, but Osako made an excellent reflex save to prevent the equaliser. This crucial intervention kept Japan ahead, and the team maintained their focus to the final whistle, repelling the home side’s relentless attacks to secure a 1–0 victory. This result saw Japan claim their third EAFF E-1 Championship title overall and their second in a row, as well as achieving their third consecutive win against Korea Republic for the first time.

Head coach Hajime Moriyasu praised his squad’s mentality and growth, saying: “The players were outstanding throughout. Despite the short preparation period, they were fully committed to winning, giving their all in training and matches every day, while also challenging themselves to improve for the future. I believe that attitude led to significant progress and this great result.” With a squad comprised entirely of J.League-based players, including 14 debut call-ups, Japan not only defended their title, but also established a solid foundation for the future.

Coach and Players' Comments

MORIYASU Hajime, Head Coach of SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team)
The players prepared superbly throughout the tournament, and for today’s match against Korea Republic. Their dedication and determination led directly to this victory. Each player wanted to showcase their qualities and make their presence felt, but above all, they played with pride and a clear sense of duty in representing Japan. I’m proud of how they approached this match and the tournament as a whole. I believe the EAFF E-1 Football Championship is a fantastic competition. While many national team players from both Japan and Korea Republic play in Europe, this tournament offers a valuable opportunity to evaluate the growth of those based in the domestic leagues. Players from the J.League and K League, who are competing at a high level week in and week out, were able to test themselves in a fiercely competitive, high-pressure Japan-Korea clash. Such experience is incredibly beneficial for the players’ development and I’m truly grateful for the tournament.

GK #1 OSAKO Keisuke (Sanfrecce Hiroshima)
I had a lot of emotions going through my head as I entered today’s match. I know there are still many areas I need to improve in, but more than anything, I was determined to get a result, and I think it was that determination that made the difference. With limited time before the World Cup and hardly any playing time under my belt, I knew I had to seize this opportunity. That is why I was absolutely focused on this match. (Regarding the big save in the 84th minute) I’d anticipated that our opponents would have at least one big chance, so I stayed mentally prepared throughout the match. This allowed me to keep my cool when the moment came.

MF/FW #7 SOMA Yuki (FC Machida Zelvia)
Before the tournament, the coach told me that he wanted me to lead the team. He entrusted me with the captain’s armband and even game me 30 minutes of playing time in the second match, which really made me feel his trust in me. I still remember the pain of our defeat in Busan in 2019, when the away atmosphere overwhelmed us. That frustration stayed with me and motivated me to lead and lift the team throughout this tournament. This season, I’ve been involved in more goals and have contributed more directly to the team's results. There’s still plenty of room for improvement, but I feel that these results are really reflect my growth.

MF/FW #13 GERMAIN Ryo (Sanfrecce Hiroshima)
Our coach emphasised how tough it can be to play Korea Republic on their home turf. He told us to avoid losing individual battles and to show pride not only for Japan, but also for the J.League. That message really hit home for me. Looking ahead, I need to go back to Hiroshima and consistently deliver results. If I don’t, I won't stand a chance of being selected again when the Europe-based players return. My numbers haven’t been good enough this season, so that's something I need to work on.

EAFF E-1 Football Championship 2025 Final Korea Republic

Tournament Date: Mon. 7 July - Wed. 16 July 2025
Venue: Yong-in Mireu Stadium (Yongin, Korea Republic)
Men's Competition: Japan, Hong Kong, China, China PR, Korea Republic
Tournament information