The match between Lee Kang-in, Korea’s best friend, and Takefusa Kubo did not take place in the end. As Japan wrapped up its journey in the quarterfinals of the 2023 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup, the images of the two wearing national team uniforms and competing for self-defense have become promising.
Japan, led by head coach Moriyasu Hajime, lost 1-2 in the quarterfinals of the 2023 tournament against Iran at Education City Stadium in Alayyan, Qatar on the 3rd (Korea time). Japan, which had been considered a “top contender,” had to pack early.
It was the opposite of Korea, which used the miracle of extra time. Japan scored the first goal but was completely behind Iran in the second half, and collapsed by conceding a penalty kick just before the 1-1 draw ended. Japan, like Korea, also shouted “win,” but it ended in a bitter taste.
As Japan fell from the quarterfinals, the highly anticipated match between Korea and Japan was canceled. As Korea and Japan advanced to the knockout stage in second place in Group E and Group D, respectively, a match that the two teams can meet in the final was completed. Above all, as the final match will be held at midnight on the night of the Lunar New Year on the 12th, many fans hoped for the “final match between Korea and Japan.”
It was also an opportunity for the Korean and Japanese national teams, which are called “the best of all time,” to face off. The match between Korea, where Son Heung-min, Lee Kang-in, Kim Min-jae, and Hwang Hee-chan are holding out, and Japan, which has a balanced overall squad, was a “dream match” for soccer fans. The fact that you can see the ultra-luxury members on one screen was also the reason why public expectations were amplified.
In particular, the meeting between Lee Kang-in and Kubo, who are known as close friends, was also a hot topic even before the competition. The two, who were born in 2001, developed a friendship by sharing a meal together in Real Mallorca in 2021. The friendship between the two, who have a lot in common, such as honing their skills and skills in Spain since childhood, has even been highlighted in Europe.
After the opening of the Asian Cup, the atmosphere became even hotter as Lee Kang-in and Gubo mentioned each other. The two, who still have a close relationship, publicly cheered for each other. Gubo also promised to meet in the final. Both Korea and Japan faltered in the group stage, but expectations for a showdown grew as they advanced to the tournament.
However, they had mixed feelings in the quarterfinals. Kubo started against Iran, played for 67 minutes, and was pulled out to the bench. On the day, Kubo showed relatively little influence and had no choice but to watch his team lose. Eventually, he ended the tournament with one goal and one assist, which left much to be desired. On the other hand, Lee Kang-in had three goals and one assist through the quarterfinals, posting the most attack points in his team. He played a key role in Korea’s offense, not only scoring goals but also making plays, contributing greatly to Korea’s advance to the semifinals. 라바카지노도메인
“It’s a shame that I’m not here anymore. Good luck to Iran,” Gubo said in an interview with reporters after failing to advance to the semifinals. “I wanted to win the competition, but this happened. I will talk to Kangin in Paris. Because he will definitely be in Paris. I will take a break and wait.” Gubo’s expression was full of regret.
Although Lee Kang-in and Gubo did not face off at the Asian Cup, their teams are scheduled to face off this month. Lee Kang-in’s Paris Saint-Germain and Gubo’s Real Sociedad will play the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 at the Parc des Princes in Paris, France on the 15th.
If Lee Kang-in plays until the final and returns to his team, there is a possibility that he will be rested in the first game. However, the two teams are scheduled to play the second game on the 6th of next month.
