Match Review:

The defending champion Japan displayed elegant passes and pushed the China PR team hard, making its seventh consecutive win in the EAFF East Asian Cup. China PR team's defense-oriented tactics, with firm midfield and backline defense, made the game difficult for Japan during the earlier part of the game. The game began to shift, however, after an impressive first goal by Kozue Ando 10 minutes before half-time. Ando and Ogimi's skillful passplay broke through China PR's tight defenses. From the first goal onwards, Japan took the lead and secured victory by scoring its second goal about 12 minutes into the second half. Emi Nakajima took on the ball from Ogimi, who also assisted the first goal in the match, and shot an outstanding left-foot kick into China PR's goalposts. After Nagazima's goal, the Japanese team gave not a chance for China PR to react, ending the game effortlessly in victory.

Match Star: Kozue Ando

Kozue Ando seized the game with a stunning goal 35 minutes into the first half when China PR was leading the game. She dove in behind the China PR's defender Wang Lingling, and took on from a penetrating pass from foremost striker Ogimi, scoring a clean goal in a one to one situation with the goalkeeper. She was somehow replaced after her goal, but regardless, she has done excellently as a veteran that ought to lead the match.

Match Review:

The results were not that exciting for head coach Hong Myung-bo's first A match. The Korea Republic team attacked with well-organized and powerful offense, cornering Australia in its debut match. attacking midfielders like Kim Dong-sup, Yun Il-lok, Lee Seung-gi and Go Yo-han disoriented enemy defenses by constantly shifting positions flamboyantly. The Korea Republic team launched over 20 potential goal kicks; Kim Young-gwon's left-foot freekick 29 minutes into the first half, and Yeom Ki-hun's right-foot shoot, 15 minutes into the second half, that was deflected off the goalpost was centimeters short from a goal. However, Korea Republic's attacks were blocked by Australia's solid defenses. Mostly defensive, the Australian sometimes drove successful attacks, although non of the attempts succeeded.

Match Star: Eugene Galekovic

Eugene Galekovic was undoubtedly the best player. Despite his relatively little A match experience, he did not lose his concentration in the match away from home. His concrete defense successfully fended off the ball from the Australian goalposts against the Korea Republic team, which pushed hard on the Australian defense throughout the entire match. Indeed, it was a performance to be anticipated from Australian A League's best goalkeeper.