NEWS

Japan finished second in the East Asian Games after losing to Hong Kong 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the final of the East Asian Games tournament in Hong Kong on Saturday.

Playing before a crowd of 30,000 at Hong Kong Stadium, Japan went ahead in the 22nd minute through Taisuke Muramatsu. But the hosts replied two minutes after the break with a goal from Chan Siu Ki.
After the two teams failed decide the issue in extra time, the game went to a penalty shootout in which two of the Japanese kickers failed to find the net.
Japan Under-20 coach Akihiro Nishimura commented: “It has been a precious experience for us to play against various teams and experience an atmosphere like this in the final. Our players have been able to play with more self-belief.”