August 5 – The national men’s teams of China, Japan, DPR Korea and South Korea return to action today in the second round of the EAFF East Asian Cup with both games live on the Insideworldfootball live match channel. Japan face old rivals South Korea, while hosts China face North Korea. Watch the games at http://www.insideworldfootball.com/watch-live-football.
The opening round of the four team finals tournament in Wuhan, China, saw a 2-1 win for North Korea over Japan and a 2-0 win for South Korea over China.
Japan opened the scoring in the third minute through Muto and held their lead comfortably throughout the first half. But a re-organised North Korean team took charge of the second half and levelled the score through Ri Hyok Chol.
Japan shuffled their midfield pack and regained control but in the 88th minute, with the match looking like it was heading for a draw, a long ball into the Japanese penalty area saw substitute Pak Hyon Il head home for a notable and surprise victory for the North Koreans.
To stay in the hunt for the title Japan will need to get a result against a well organised South Korea who dispatched a resurgent Chinese national team high on the country’s new-found enthusiasm for football.
China and South Korea both have European managers – Frenchman Alain Perrin coaches China and German Uli Stielike is in charge of South Korea. It was Stielike’s organisation that overcame the commitment of a battling Chinese team who have frequently been criticised for lack of effort.
South Korea scored through Kim Seundae at the end of the first half and despite sustained pressure from China extended their lead through Lee Jae Sung.
Japan will provide more organised opposition for South Korea, while China’s new found passion will be a powerful test for the North Koreans. Wins for the two first round losing sides is not inconceivable looking at form and would leave the four nations level on one win each going into the final round on August 9.
Watch the Japan vs South Korea and China vs North Korea live at http://www.insideworldfootball.com/watch-live-football.