Japan U23 wins Asian Cup in spectacular comeback

The Japanese team defeated U23 Korea 3-2 in the final of the U23 Asian Cup despite being two goals behind.

Japan U23 proves its top class in the continent. Photo: Reuters.

Goals: U23 Korea: Kwon Chang Hoon (20'), Jin Seong Uk (46') - U23 Japan: Takuma Asano (67', 81'), Shinya Yajima (68').

U23 Korea opened the scoring in the 20th minute after Kwon Chang Hoon volleyed and hit the Japanese U23 defender's leg into the net. The game became more favorable for the Korean players with a goal that doubled the gap byJin Seong Ukas soon as the ball rolled back in the second half.

Japan U23 were two goals down but needed just a minute to level the game. Substitute Takuma Asano scored after a clever run before Shinya Yajima headed in from close range to equalise.

At the end of the match, U23 Japan finished off U23 Korea with a goal from Asano. Coach Makoto Teguramori's "Rookie" escaped the offside trap and completed his own double in the final match.

Asano's goal brought the championship to Japan U23 in the second time the AFC U23 Championship was held. Japan U23, South Korea U23 and the bronze medal winner Iraq U23 will represent Asia at the 2016 Olympics.

U23 Korea started very well with a few touches and powerful play. The red-shirted players made the U23 Japan net shake twice in just 12 minutes, even though those were offside situations. U23 Korea's warning was quickly realized with the opening goal by Kwon Chang Hoon.

Japan U23 were completely outclassed in the first half before conceding the second goal. Even after this goal, Japan U23 still did not show any brilliance in their play. However, just two moments of carelessness from Korea U23 helped Japan U23 turn the tables.

U23 Korea (red shirt) was very close to winning the championship but dropped it due to defensive mistakes. Photo: Reuters.

The Korean U23 defense did not follow their man in the situations where Asano and Yajima scored. The most blameworthy was the equalizer when Yajima freely rushed in to head the Korean U23 defense.

Having lost two goals in a row, the Korean U23 players lost their spirit and played sluggishly in the final minutes. Japan U23 quickly seized the opportunity with a counterattack for Asano to score.

According to VNE