"What a disgrace in front of the home fans." Japan collapses on the ground... Japanese media directly used the word 'humiliation'.

[Financial News] Toyota Stadium, where the coronation of the Republic of Korea’s fourth consecutive Asian Games football title was held, has become a "graveyard of despair" for Japanese football. Japan, which had been seeking revenge on home soil, once again failed to overcome the wall of the Republic of Korea, and even its own media outlets are unable to hide their shock, using the word "humiliation."
The Republic of Korea U-23 national football team, led by head coach Kaishu Sano, defeated the Japan U-21 team 1-0 in the men's football final of the 2026 Asian Games held at Toyota Stadium in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, on the 3rd. They clinched the gold medal by defending Eom Ji-sung's thunderous winning goal, scored in the 16th minute of the second half, until the end.
The Republic of Korea made history by winning four consecutive titles starting from the 2014 Incheon Games, but conversely, a 'nightmare' that Japan wishes to erase has been added. Japan has suffered complete defeats in all three of its recent Asian Games finals against the Republic of Korea, including the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Games (1-2 loss), the 2022 Hangzhou Games (1-2 loss), and this tournament (0-1 loss). As a result, their overall record against the Republic of Korea in the Asian Games stands at an absolute disadvantage of 1 win and 9 losses.

The reaction of the local media is nothing short of devastating. Not_found, a Japanese football media outlet that had guaranteed victory before the match by shouting "Third time's the charm," delivered a scathing blow in a report on the 4th, stating, "The Japan U-21 national team is devastated after losing to arch-rival the Republic of Korea," and calling it "the humiliation of losing to the Republic of Korea in the finals for three consecutive tournaments."
Sponichi Annex also criticized the disaster that occurred on home ground, calling it "a humiliating three consecutive defeats in the Republic of Korea-Japan summit."
The psychological shock suffered by the Japanese team was also fully conveyed. According to Japanese media, when the final whistle blew, many Japanese players slumped to the ground or collapsed, unable to get up.
Goalkeeper Rui Araki, who played a key role throughout the tournament, expressed his disappointment in an interview with Not_found, saying, "Honestly, I didn't think we would lose," while captain Rion Ichihara bowed his head, saying, "It is our job to repay them with results, so I am sorry to the home fans."

The scene on the bench, filled with mixed emotions, also received attention from Japanese media. Nikkan Sports reported that Japanese manager Oiwa Go clenched his lips tightly while clutching his head and watching the Republic of Korea team cheer and savor the joy of their fourth consecutive victory.
The Asian Games stage was held in their home country for the first time in 32 years. Despite waging an all-out battle to reclaim the gold medal for the first time in 16 years, Japanese football ultimately made a lonely exit, tasting the most miserable form of 'humiliation' right in the middle of their home ground.
[email protected] Jeon Sang-il Reporter