There are challenges that Japan must face in order to win the 2023 U17 Asian Cup. Since it was first held in 1985, there has never been a team that could win twice in a row.
Japan, who is the defending champion of the Asian Cup in 2018, has the opportunity to break this bad record by becoming the first to win the Asian title twice in a row.
This is the first time Japan has made it to the final twice in a row. Since 1985, the U-17 Asian Cup has never had successive wins. Several teams have been to the finals in a row including Thailand twice in a row to the finals, 1996 and 1998, but they only won in 1998. North Korea was runner-up twice in 2004 and 2006. Likewise with Uzbekistan, which only won in 2012 after reaching the final in 2010 and 2012.
Japan is aiming to win the U17 Asian Cup trophy for the fourth time. In the final, they will face South Korea who are seeking their third title. The U17 Asian Cup Final will be held at the BG Stadium, Pathum, Thani, Thailand on Sunday (2/7) at 19.00 WIB.
Japan is recorded as the most successful team in this U17 tournament. They have won three times respectively in 1994, 2006 and 2018. Meanwhile, South Korea has won the title twice, namely in 1986 and 2002. This is the first time South Korea and Japan have met in the final of the U17 Asian Cup.
Although both teams have both penetrated the final round four times. Japan won 3 times, one defeat in the final occurred in 2012 when they lost on penalties to Uzbekistan. Meanwhile, South Korea has reached the final four times.
Twice won the championship in 1986 and 2002, while the other two finals lost respectively to Iran in 2008 and lost to North Korea in 2014 with the same score 1-2. South Korea qualified for the 2023 U-17 Asian Cup final after defeating Uzbekistan 1-0 in the semifinals, Thursday (29/6).
The only goal scored by Baek In Woo in the 31st minute brought Taegeuk Warriors Junior to the final. While Japan stepped into the final after a 3-0 win over Iran. They won thanks to goals from Ryunosuke Yada (10′), Kohei Mochizuki (25′) and Ryunosuke Satu (74′). The final match is also an event for several South Korean and Japanese players to be able to win the golden boot or top scorer.
In the golden boot competition, there are three players who have currently scored 4 goals. Two from South Korea and one from Japan.
Two South Korean players who have scored 4 goals are Kim Myung-jun and Yun Do-young, while one Japanese player who has scored 4 goals is Kohei Mochizuki. In the semifinals, Korea earned a hard-earned victory against Uzbekistan. The deadlock was broken by a stunning free kick from Baek In-woo, whose goal proved to be the decisive factor in the 1-0 win.
The Korean squad is now gearing up to face Japan, who advanced to the final with a 3-0 win over Iran. This year’s final will make history, as it marks the first time Korea and Japan have clashed in the final of the Asian Under-17 Cup, which is now in its 19th edition.
Source : Tribun News
