In an exhilarating third-place playoff match at the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy, Japan showcased their prowess by defeating the defending champions, South Korea, with a score of 5-3 on Saturday.
From the outset, Japan signaled their intent, embarking on an aggressive attack. Merely three minutes into the match, Ryoma Ooka scored a spectacular field goal, navigating through South Korea's solid defense. Japan's dominant form was evident, and by the 9th minute, Ryosei Kato capitalized on a series of deft maneuvers by Kosei Kawabe and Kentaro Fukuda, further widening Japan's lead.
However, South Korea demonstrated resilience. A penalty corner in the 15th minute saw skipper Jonghyun Jang narrowing the deficit, making the score 2-1 in Japan's favor by the close of the first quarter.
The intensity only escalated in the next quarter. Japan executed four penalty corners and navigated a brief setback when Ken Nagayoshi received a green card in the 18th minute. Korea's Cheoleon Park managed to equalize after his shot ricocheted off Woo Cheon Ji's stick. But Japan regained their momentum when Kentaro Fukuda scored after receiving a precise assist from Kosei Kawabe, taking Japan into half-time with a 3-2 lead.
Post half-time, the game continued to ebb and flow. While Japan couldn't capitalize on an early penalty corner, Korea seized their chance, with Jang again leveling the scores. The teams seemed evenly matched, ending the third quarter at 3-3.
The climax in the fourth quarter was gripping. Despite an initial stalemate, Shota Yamada took advantage of a soaring ball from Kosei Kawabe's stick to put Japan back in the lead in the 53rd minute, even as a video referral was declined. In a closing spectacle, Ken Nagayoshi deceived the Korean goalkeeper with a brilliant penalty stroke. Japan, displaying remarkable strategy and tenacity, closed out the match 5-3, ensuring a triumphant end to their campaign.
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