Get Ready for the East Asian Cup Finale

It’s the final round of the East Asian Cup on Saturday, with top two Japan and South Korea going head to head for the title. Both teams are currently level on four points after each claiming a win over China (who have doubled as hosts and whipping boys) and a draw against the surprisingly stubborn North Korea.

Whoever wins the Japan vs South Korea game is guaranteed the trophy and some serious East Asian bragging rights. South Korea have a slim advantage thanks to their slightly better goal difference, so if the game ends in a draw they’ll definitely finish ahead of Japan. However…

A draw would give North Korea a chance of snatching glory from under the noses of their neighbours with a 2-0 win or better over China. China themselves will be playing to salvage at least a shred of dignity from a so far miserable experience that has seen their fans and media turn on the team.

The odd thing is that two games are at the same stadium (the Olympic Sports Centre, in Chongqing, China) and so not simultaneous. Japan vs South Korea are up first, meaning the North Korea players and coaching staff will be watching from the somewhere in the stadium, with fingers crossed for a draw before taking the field themselves not long afterwards.

Team	Pts	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD
Korea Republic	4	2	1	1	0	4	3	+1
Japan	4	2	1	1	0	2	1	+1
Korea DPR	2	2	0	2	0	2	2	+0
China PR	0	2	0	0	2	2	4	-2