In the late evening of December 5, two 1/8 finals were played at the same time, with the two strongest teams in Asia facing Croatia and Brazil respectively. Frankly speaking, in these two matches, Japan seems to hold more initiative, while the strength difference between South Korea and Brazil is obvious. Sure enough, the match between Japan and Croatia was tied at 1:1 in regulation time, but Japan missed in the penalty shootout and regretted saying goodbye to the last eight. South Korea, on the other hand, trailed 0:4 in the first half, only to equalize in the second half with a goal from Baek Seung-ho.
It's puzzling that, for some reason, we've been paying extra attention to the Japan-Korea rivalry. Why? Why are we so fascinated by the soccer of these two countries on the World Cup stage? (Especially the love of soccer)
1. Fans need a sense of belonging too
Maybe it's an exciting goal, or maybe it's the personal charisma of a star that got you interested in soccer. You were mesmerized by the passion of the top five leagues, fascinated by the skills of the superstars, and even began to study the advantages and disadvantages of various techniques and tactics, imitating the magnificent performances of the stars on the pitch! Your persistence gradually gave you a feel for soccer, and when a generation of stars retired, so did your youth. But the team you supported always existed, and it has become your fond memory of the past!
However, as time goes by, you realize that the big five leagues and superstars can no longer ignite your passion for soccer. Instead, the outstanding performance of the national soccer team makes you complain while watching! Maybe there is a Chinese Super League team in your city, which will be the reason for you to keep following soccer. As you grow older, you'll realize that it's not just soccer you're following, it's an emotional attachment!
Although Japan and South Korea are not our own, there are many stories between them and national soccer. We can't help but follow them, both in space and time! It's like the feeling of closeness that comes when you return to the city your hometown belongs to after years of wandering away from home.
2. Japanese and Korean soccer is worth watching
At this year's World Cup, Japan beat Germany 2-1 and then Spain, while South Korea also beat Portugal 2-1. Despite the apparent obscurity of Japanese and Korean soccer, they have been solidifying their core. Take a look at the youth training of Japan and South Korea and the players from both countries in Europe, and you'll see that it's not impossible for Japanese and South Korean soccer to beat the top teams.
The Japanese national team reportedly boasts as many as 19 European players, 13 of whom play in the top five leagues. Takumi Minamino (Monaco) 27, Yasutoshi Don (Vrabourg) 24, Kenyoung Kubo (Real Sociedad) 21, Lenta (Eintracht Frankfurt) 26, Aero Endo (Stuttgart) 29, and so on. With a lineup like that, who are they afraid of? It's no understatement to say that Japan's lineup can compete with any team, and in fact, they did.
Then look at South Korea, with 70 million euros worth of leading "Asia's first brother" Sun Xing, Hwang Hee Chan (Premier League Wolves) 26 years old, Lee Gang Jin (Mallorca) 21 years old, Kim Minza (Napoli) 26 years old, and so on! So it was no coincidence that South Korea beat Portugal.
Japan and South Korea's European players are exploding today, with Japan relying on multiple points of play and South Korea pushing others with unique players. It's all based on solid and solid youth training systems in both countries, which is why their soccer talent continues to be exported.
When we see Japanese soccer wowing audiences with their quick, accurate, relentless and dexterous small skills, and when we see South Korea's Sun Sung making a splash in the English Premier League, we have to reflect: where will we be in 20 years' time? How can we lag behind?
In this ups and downs world of soccer, we just need to be good spectators, witness the rise and fall of soccer, and enjoy the stories and passion that soccer brings!
