HandballSep 30, 20269 min read

China loses to South Korea in Asian Games men's football semifinals

Goalkeeper Li Hao (3rd L) of China makes a save during the men's semifinals of football between China and South Korea at 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 in Osaka, Japan, Sept. 30, 2026. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)

OSAKA, Japan, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- China took an early lead but lost 2-1 to South Korea in the men's football semifinals at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on Wednesday, missing out on a place in the final.

China reached the Asian Games men's football semifinals for the first time in 28 years. Under head coach Antonio Puche, the Chinese side advanced from the "group of death" with one win and two draws before beating Thailand 3-0 in the quarterfinals.

Defending champion South Korea reached the semifinals after winning all three matches.

China started with its familiar 5-3-2 formation and looked to threaten on the counter-attack, while South Korea sought to create chances from the flanks and set pieces.

China broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute when Mao Weijie sent a lofted through ball to Wang Yudong, who controlled it with his chest before calmly finishing one-on-one.

South Korea equalized in the 33rd minute after a corner reached Lee Young-jun at the far post. His header hit the post and bounced into the net despite Li Hao's attempt to save it.

After the break, China pushed higher and created several opportunities, but South Korea remained dangerous on the counter-attack. Mao was forced off with an injury in the 66th minute.

South Korea completed the comeback in the 82nd minute when Eom Ji-sung broke forward and crossed to the far post, where Bae Jun-ho headed home to make it 2-1.

In the closing minutes, Zhang Yuning's shot inside the box was blocked by a South Korean defender, prompting China's players to appeal for a handball. The referee waved play on, while Puche was booked for protesting the decision.

China had seven shots, three on target, and 55 percent possession, compared with South Korea's eight shots, six on target and 45 percent possession.

"We played an excellent game. Against a South Korean team with many outstanding players playing at a European level, the whole team showed a very high level," said Puche. "I'm naturally disappointed and saddened by the result. But I'm extremely proud and happy with this team."

China will play the loser of the other semifinal between Japan and Uzbekistan in the men's football bronze-medal match on Saturday. ■

Choi Seokhyun (top R) of South Korea vies for header with Xu Bin (top L) of China during the men's semifinals of football between China and South Korea at 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 in Osaka, Japan, Sept. 30, 2026. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)

Wang Yudong of China celebrates his scoring during the men's semifinals of football between China and South Korea at 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 in Osaka, Japan, Sept. 30, 2026. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)

Lee Youngjun (1st L) of South Korea takes a scoring header during the men's semifinals of football between China and South Korea at 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 in Osaka, Japan, Sept. 30, 2026. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)

Lee Youngjun (front) of South Korea celebrates his scoring with teammate during the men's semifinals of football between China and South Korea at 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 in Osaka, Japan, Sept. 30, 2026. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)

Wang Yudong (bottom) of China celebrates his scoring with teammate Xu Bin during the men's semifinals of football between China and South Korea at 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 in Osaka, Japan, Sept. 30, 2026. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)