In 2023, the first soccer match between Korea and Japan took place. It was Korea’s complete defeat. The painful reality was revealed.
On the 20th at Urayasu Stadium in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, the 1st Korea-Japan 1st and 2nd Year Championships were held. Incheon University represented Korea, and Tsukuba University participated in Japan. Incheon National University won the Tongyeonggi in the 19th 1st and 2nd year university soccer tournament held in Tongyeong, Gyeongnam last January. Incheon University demonstrated its strength by winning the first low-grade competition after its foundation. The University of Tsukuba won the Japanese Newcomer Competition (1st and 2nd year competition) last year. After going through the regional qualifiers, they reached the top in the national competitions held by 12 teams.
It was a game of pride. Korea-Japan college football has been regularly contested under the name of the ‘Denso Cup’. This time, the scope was broadened. For the first time, a competition for lower grades (1st and 2nd grade) was held.
The situation ahead of the first soccer match between Korea and Japan this season was not very good. Korea has shown a weak appearance in the Japanese expedition so far. 1 draw and 8 losses. Incheon National University arrived at the decisive battle on the 19th, just one day before the game. I started the game just 24 hours after stepping on Japanese soil. Nevertheless, Incheon University blocked the opponent’s attack route with active movements at the beginning of the game.
The atmosphere changed in an instant. Tsukuba University scored the opening goal from a set piece in the 21st minute of the first half. Shoki Tamura’s cross was headed by Okita Sora. Masato Handai, who caught it, completed the goal with his right foot. Tsukuba University scored an extra goal in the 42nd minute of the first half. Incheon National University’s defense made a mistake and created an attacking opportunity. Handai once again shook the Incheon National University goal net and cheered.
Incheon University could not use its strength even in the second half. Tsukuba University scored an additional goal in the 7th minute of the second half with exquisite passing play. Daishin Yamazaki’s shot hit Incheon National University’s defense, and Daisuke Yamaguchi caught the rebounded ball and scored. It wasn’t over. Tsukuba University ran away 4-0 in the 15th minute of the second half when Soki Damura succeeded in a penalty kick awarded for a foul on Incheon University. Incheon National University launched a counterattack using replacement cards in succession. However, there was not enough time to break the opponent’s flow. In the 35th minute of the second half, Incheon National University started the chase with a comeback goal by a specialist. However, a minute later, he bowed his head, allowing Handai a hat-trick. Incheon National University lost 1-5. 스포츠토토
It was a bitter side of Korean college football. Earlier, Byeon Seok-hwa, president of the Korean University Football Federation, said, “I have been watching the Denso Cup for 20 years. At first, our performance was far ahead. It was embarrassing to draw with Japan. 7-8 years ago, I was afraid of Japanese soccer. To be honest, I hope for victory, but even a draw is fortunate. I am afraid of Japanese soccer. The gap was larger than expected. Korea also swallowed tears in the low grade competition.