A subpar first half saw Korea Republic trailing at the break to Kaito Koizumi’s 36th minute strike and while Lee was able to get a reaction from his players in the second half, a combination of woeful finishing and inspired goalkeeping from Rui Araki meant their title hopes were ended.
“The first half, I think we didn’t show our best performance,” said Lee. “In the second half, we did our best but we couldn't score. We played the game with our utmost best but it wasn’t enough. .....
📋 𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗨𝗣𝗦 | 🇯🇵 Japan 🆚 Korea Republic 🇰🇷
— #ACFutsal2026 (@afcasiancup) January 20, 2026
Everything is on the line in this blockbuster semi-final as two Asian powerhouses clash for a place in the final in Jeddah!
Watch 𝙇𝙄𝙑𝙀: https://t.co/UoSghpE0Oa#AFCU23 | #JPNvKOR pic.twitter.com/n4BIxB6fhx
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