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
＞＞READ MORE "AFC Official Site"
![10MA TOPICS! [CHINA FA][AFC U23 ASIAN CUP] S-final: China PR power past Vietnam](https://image.eaff.com/index/8555.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [JAPAN FA][AFC U23 ASIAN CUP] S-final: Koizumi strike helps Japan edge Korea Republic](https://image.eaff.com/index/8554.jpg)
![[FIFA WORLD RANKING] Japan remain Asia's best despite drop](https://image.eaff.com/index/8552.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [JAPAN FA] Miyashiro leaves Kobe to join Las Palmas](https://image.eaff.com/index/8551.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [KOREA FA][AFC U23 ASIAN CUP] Baek expects a more potent Korea Republic against Japan](https://image.eaff.com/index/8550.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [CHINA FA][AFC U23 ASIAN CUP] Li proud to have played his part for China PR](https://image.eaff.com/index/8549.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [KOREA FA][AFC U23 ASIAN CUP] Korea Republic’s will to win delights Lee](https://image.eaff.com/index/8548.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [CHINA FA][AFC U23 ASIAN CUP] Puche: An emotional day for history-makers China PR](https://image.eaff.com/index/8547.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [KOREA FA][AFC U23 ASIAN CUP] Q-final: Korea Republic defeat Australia to stay on course](https://image.eaff.com/index/8546.jpg)