[Anchor]
What has frustrated fans even more during this tournament is the widening gap in skill between South Korean and Japanese football. The situation is starkly contrasting: South Korea was eliminated in the group stage after a series of poor performances, while Japan advanced to the knockout stage as the runner-up in the "Group of Death" and is now even considered a "title contender." Critics point out that the absence of a clear philosophy and long-term planning by the Korea Football Association, combined with the managerial capabilities, has created this significant divide between the two nations.
Here is the report from reporter Ha Seong-nyong.
[Reporter]
After the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup, where South Korea achieved a historic semifinal finish while Japan was eliminated in the Round of 16, the two nations' football programs have taken completely different paths.
Japan's "system football," which shares a consistent philosophy from youth national teams to the senior squad, has built a solid foundation, resulting in world-class strength.
The national team head coach was also chosen from leaders who built their skills from the ground up, rather than relying on "star-studded" names.
Head coach Hajime Moriyasu, who took the helm in 2018 after leading various youth national teams, has added a "compact" style to Japan's signature passing game. By implementing powerful and organized team pressing to quickly regain possession and accelerate transitions, the team has emerged as a "dark horse" in this tournament's title race.
On the other hand, South Korean football has regressed, plagued by administrative chaos within the football association, a lack of long-term vision, and the appointment of national team coaches without clear principles.
This World Cup has clearly exposed the reality of football in both countries.
While our national team suffered a "humiliating disaster," Japan dominated its group stage opponents—the Netherlands, Tunisia, and Sweden—in terms of pressing frequency. Despite the absence of key players like Kaoru Mitoma, Takumi Minamino, and Wataru Endo due to injuries, Japan filled 23 of its 26-man roster with Europe-based players. By rotating at least three players in the starting 11 for every match, five different players scored a total of 7 goals, allowing them to pass the group stage with 1 win and 2 draws.
Japan, which was even considered a "title contender" after defeating Brazil and England in friendly matches before the World Cup, is now aiming for an upset in the Round of 32 match against Brazil tomorrow, June 30.
[Hajime Moriyasu / Japan National Football Team Head Coach: We believe we are a 'dark horse' capable of winning the title, and we will do our best to write new history (in the match against Brazil).]
Before the World Cup, Japan was ranked 18th and South Korea 25th in the FIFA rankings. Now, it has become difficult for South Korea, which has plummeted to 32nd, to even look up to Japan, which is ranked 17th.
The contrasting status of Japan, which has become a global powerhouse, and South Korea, which has become a toothless tiger, is making our football fans even sadder.
(Video reporting: Hwang In-seok | Video editing: Kim Jong-tae | Graphics: Seo Seung-hyun)
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