Korea Republic men’s national team slumped to another defeat at the hands of Japan.

Paulo Bento’s charges lost 3-0 against Japan in their final match of the 2022 EAFF E-1 Championship at Toyota Stadium on Wednesday. A draw would have sufficed for the Taegeuk Warriors to claim a fourth title in succession, but the hosts dominated the game in midfield to win the championship with seven points from two wins and a draw. Korea Republic finished runners up with six points from two wins and a defeat.

This tournament was a good chance for Bento to take a closer look at the players from the domestic league ahead of the World Cup in November. Since it was difficult to call up those who are based in foreign countries as the tournament took place outside the international friendly calendar, all the participating players – except for Kwon Kyungwon (Gamba Osaka) – were from the K League. Although they gave their all to impress the coach, it was not enough to help their side overcome archrivals Japan. In retrospect, Bento’s tactical choice of deploying centre-back Kwon as a defensive midfielder did not seem to work in his favour.

Bento opted for a 4-1-4-1 formation against Japan: Cho Guesung up front, flanked by Na Sangho and Um Wonsang; Kim Jingyu, Kwon Kyungwon and Kwon Changhoon in midfield; Kim Jinsu, Park Jisu, Cho Yumin and Kim Moonhwan at the back; Jo Hyeonwoo between the sticks.

Korea Republic needed at least a draw to win the championship, but it was Japan that took control right from the off. The men in red struggled to build up their play against the pressure: The two centre-backs could not pass the ball with accuracy, whilst defensive midfielder Kwon found himself under pressure from the opposition in the middle of the park. The Taegeuk Warriors were kept at bay as the half wore on.

Japan came tantalisingly close to taking a lead after 19 minutes. Soma Yuki intercepted the ball from Kwon to break into the area, before firing a powerful shot that smashed the goal post. The hosts kept up the pressure afterwards. Soma saw his inswinging corner kick parried away by Jo on 34 minutes, and the keeper did well to smother the ensuing effort from Mizunuma Kota.

Despite seeing his side on the back foot, Bento did not make a change during the interval. It was still one way traffic as the second half got underway, and the visitors eventually fell behind four minutes after the restart. Having caused all sorts of problem for Korea Republic throughout the first half, Soma put his side ahead with a header off Joel Fujita’s cross.

The visitors fell further behind shortly after the hour mark, when Sasaki Sho headed home from a corner. Machino Shuto then put the result beyond doubt, making it 3-0 on 72 minutes. Bento responded by bringing Song Minkyu, Lee Yeongjae and Cho Youngwook on, but it proved too little, too late to reduce the deficit.

2022 EAFF E-1 Championship

Japan 3-0 Korea Republic

Scorers: Soma Yuki 49’, Sasaki Sho 63’, Machino Shuto 72’

KOR: Jo Hyeonwoo; Kim Jinsu, Park Jisu (Cho Youngwook 68’), Cho Yumin, Kim Moonhwan; Kwon Kyungwon; Na Sangho, Kim Jingyu (Kim Donghyun 85’), Kwon Changhoon (Lee Yeongjae 68’), Um Wonsang (Song Minkyu 56’); Cho Guesung