Japan defeated South Korea on Tuesday and retained its EAFF E-1 Football Championship crown with a narrow 1-0 victory over hosts South Korea at Yongin Mireu Stadium on Tuesday.
The defending champions struck early, as Ryo Germain netted in the eighth minute to give Japan the lead. Germain, who previously stunned with a four-goal blitz in just 22 minutes against Hong Kong in Japan’s tournament opener, once again proved decisive.
Trailing by a goal at halftime, South Korea came out with renewed determination, applying relentless pressure in the second half in search of an equalizer.
However, Japan’s disciplined and resolute defense held firm, limiting the Taegeuk Warriors to just one shot on target out of eight attempts.
Japan defeats South Korea
Germain’s early goal remained the only difference as Japan sealed the win and successfully defended their title.
Both teams had entered the final round unbeaten. Japan opened its campaign with a dominant 6-1 victory over Hong Kong and followed up with a 2-0 win against China. South Korea also showed early strength, defeating China 3-0 and Hong Kong 2-0 without conceding a goal.
Pakistan team departs for Bangladesh ahead of T20 series
The initial contingent of Pakistan’s national cricket team has departed from Karachi to Dhaka, via Dubai, for the upcoming three-match T20 series against Bangladesh.
The traveling squad includes Salman Ali Agha, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, and Faheem Ashraf, along with several members of the team’s support staff.
A second group of players is scheduled to depart for Dhaka on the morning of July 16 (today).
The T20 series between Pakistan and Bangladesh will begin on July 20, with all three matches scheduled to take place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. Both teams have talented players to demonstrate thrilling T20 matches in this series.
