The South Korean women's soccer team is engaged in a tightly contested semifinal match against Japan, aiming for their first-ever final appearance in the Asian Games.
Under the guidance of head coach Shin Sang-woo, South Korea finished the first half of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games women's soccer semifinal at Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa in Fukuroi, Japan, with a score of 0-0.
Goalkeeper Kim Min-jung (Incheon Hyundai Steel) led the defense, supported by No Jin-young (Gyeongju Hanwha), Ko Yu-jin (Incheon Hyundai Steel), Kim Hye-ri (Suwon FC), and Jang Seul-ki (Gyeongju Hanwha). In midfield, Ji So-yeon (Suwon FC), Hyeon Seul-ki (Gyeongju Hanwha), Jeong Min-young (Ottawa Fury FC), and Kim Min-ji (Seoul City Hall) were positioned, while Yoon Soo-jung (Suwon FC) and Choi Yu-ri (Suwon FC) targeted the Japanese goal.
From the outset, South Korea did not back down against the host nation. They actively utilized set pieces to disrupt Japan's defense, and in the fifth minute, Yoon Soo-jung delivered a sharp pass into the space behind the Japanese defense, igniting the attack.
Japan, relying on short passes, increased their possession and sought to penetrate the South Korean defense. They created opportunities through crosses and corner kicks from the flanks, but the South Korean defense remained focused.
In the 32nd minute, South Korea had a golden opportunity to score. After Japan made a mistake while circulating the ball in the back, Choi Yu-ri applied strong pressure to win the ball. She found herself in a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper, but her final shot sailed over the goal, leaving her disappointed.
After overcoming this scare, Japan ramped up their offensive efforts toward the end of the first half. Around the 40th minute, they sent in consecutive crosses from the left flank, and Narumiya made a run into the penalty box to attempt a shot, threatening the South Korean goal.
However, South Korea, led by Kim Min-jung, successfully thwarted Japan's attacks, finishing the first half without conceding a goal.
This match is pivotal for the South Korean women's soccer team, as it represents their chance to reach the Asian Games final for the first time in history.
The best previous finishes for women's soccer at the Asian Games were bronze medals in 2010 in Guangzhou, 2014 in Incheon, and 2018 in Jakarta-Palembang. If South Korea defeats Japan today, they will reach the final for the first time in the sport's 36-year history in the Asian Games.
The opponent for the final has already been determined. In an earlier semifinal, North Korea defeated China 2-0 to secure their spot in the final.
If South Korea overcomes Japan in the second half, they will face North Korea for the gold medal on October 2. The two teams previously met in the group stage of this tournament, ending in a 1-1 draw.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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