The South Korean men's soccer team will face Japan in the final of the Asian Games.
Japan secured its spot in the final on September 30, drawing 1-1 with Uzbekistan in the semifinals at Nagai Stadium in Osaka. After extra time failed to produce a winner, Japan triumphed in a tense penalty shootout.
Uzbekistan struck first, with Bakromov scoring the opening goal in the 9th minute following a counterattack and a low cross from the left.
Despite the home advantage, Japan struggled until the 43rd minute of the second half when Sena Ishibashi equalized with a header from a cross.
After 90 minutes of regulation and 30 minutes of extra time, the match remained tied, leading to a penalty shootout that exceeded expectations. Both teams exchanged kicks without a clear advantage, ultimately going to the 10th shooter, where Japan won 9-8.
With this victory, Japan will meet South Korea for the gold medal on October 3 at 7:30 PM.
Earlier that day, South Korea advanced to the final by defeating China 2-1, thanks to a decisive goal from Bae Jun-ho.
This final marks South Korea's attempt to secure its fourth consecutive gold medal, following victories in Incheon in 2014, Jakarta-Palembang in 2018, and Hangzhou in 2022, against host nation Japan.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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