Japan's U23 team has reclaimed the top of Asia. It's the first-ever consecutive title in the tournament's history. Coach Oiwa Ko calmly noted that it was "evidence that the players have grown."
Japan won the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026, which concluded on the 25th (Korean time).
Looking ahead to the Los Angeles Olympics in two years and fielding players under 21, Japan delivered a comprehensive victory in the final, scoring four goals against China, which had kept clean sheets throughout the tournament. Ogura's two long-range strikes turned the tide.
According to Goal.com Japan, after the match Coach Oiwa said, "The players executed our plan well, and that result led to the championship. I think this is evidence that the players have grown." He added, "As young players, they have absorbed a lot and gained experience. I want to carry this growth forward."
He mentioned China's solid defense when discussing the turning point in the final. He recalled, "China was a team with very robust defense. Scoring the opening goal and then quickly connecting to the second goal made a big difference."
He also praised the team for the tournament as a whole, saying, "They deserve credit for holding their own and playing their game against older, more physical opponents and nations without wavering."
Coach Oiwa was not satisfied with just the title. Emphasizing long-term team completion, he said, "I hope the players continue to grow and become a strong group." When asked about tasks toward the Olympics in two years, he replied briefly, "Everything." He urged continuous improvement, saying, "We need to raise the level step by step, including through experience."
With this tournament, Japan wrote a new chapter in the Asian U-23 stage. However, Oiwa's focus was already on the next step and on LA.
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