South Korea capture East Asian Championship as China settle for draw with Japan

China finished in second place at the 2025 EAFF E-1 Women's Football Championship in Suwon, South Korea, on Wednesday, following a goalless draw with Japan in the final round, while South Korea beat Chinese Taipei 2-0 to clinch the title.

The match between China and Japan kicked off in heavy rain. The Chinese side applied high pressing and quick attacking from the start, but neither side could break the deadlock in the first half.

The second 45 minutes saw both teams continue to push forward, but the relentless storm affected the performances of both squads. Hana Takahashi had two chances to score for the Japanese side in stoppage time, but narrowly missed both attempts, and the match ended in a 0-0 stalemate.

With one win and two draws apiece, China, Japan, and South Korea all finished with five points. Chinese Taipei brought up the rear with three defeats. The three top squads were tied in points, head-to-head results, and goal difference, so according to the EAFF competition rules, final rankings were then determined by the number of goals scored among the tied sides.

South Korea secured the championship with three goals, followed by China with two and Japan with one. The triumph marked South Korea's second East Asian Championship (formerly Cup) title, and first since 2005.

China coach Ante Milicic noted that he was proud of his team for their efforts under difficult weather conditions. "Both teams worked hard despite the climate. I'm proud of the way my team played and fought," he said.