Rival teams Korea Rep. and Japan met in the final round of the E-1 Football Championship. Both teams had won their first two matches. The mood was high. Korea Rep. kept their back-three formation, used throughout the tournament. Japan started with Germain Ryo, who had scored four goals against Hong Kong, China. In the 7th minute, Korea Rep. created the first big chance. Na Sang-ho broke down the left side and cut inside. His sharp shot hit the post and bounced out. Japan survived the scare and answered right away. One minute later, in the 8th minute, Germain Ryo scored. He finished a cross from the left, even in a tough position. It was his fifth goal of the tournament. With momentum, Japan kept pressing. Ando Tomoya’s dipping shot was dangerous. The first half ended with Japan leading 1–0.
At the start of the second half, Korea Rep. brought on Lee Ho-jae for Joo Min-kyu. They wanted to change the style of their striker. In the 64th minute, Korea Rep. passed into the right half-space. Kim Moon-hwan ran onto it and sent in a quick cross. Lee Dong-gyeong got a shot from the play. Korea Rep. kept attacking. In the 82nd minute, Lee Tae-seok’s cross dropped deep and tested Japan’s defense. Two minutes later, Lee Ho-jae’s bicycle kick flew toward goal. But both times, Japan’s goalkeeper Osako Keisuke made good saves. In the end, Japan won 1–0. With three straight wins, Japan took the championship. Korea Rep. finished the tournament with two wins and one loss.