In the men's soccer final of the Asian Games held on October 3rd, South Korea defeated Japan 1-0 with a decisive goal scored by Um Ji-sung in the 16th minute of the second half, securing the gold medal for the fourth consecutive Asian Games in men's soccer. Competing as one of South Korea's three overage players at this tournament, Um Ji-sung delivered an outstanding performance with 4 goals and 4 assists throughout the competition, clinching the championship with his crucial goal in the final.

Following the match, Um Ji-sung spoke in an interview about his goal in the final and his experience at the Asian Games. He explained that while his team was temporarily under pressure from Japan, they were constantly looking for an opportunity to turn the tide, and ultimately capitalized on it. He also acknowledged that winning the Asian Games would be an unforgettable memory.

On October 3rd, at the Toyota Stadium in Aichi Prefecture, South Korea's men's soccer team defeated Japan in the Asian Games final to claim the gold medal. Afterward, Um Ji-sung spoke with a smile in the mixed zone: "It was a journey that was neither too short nor too long, but we were able to finish with the result we wanted. I'm very grateful to my teammates. I want to tell everyone, thank you so much for your hard work."

In the match against Japan that day, a 0-0 stalemate persisted until the 16th minute of the second half, when Um Ji-sung suddenly broke the deadlock. South Korea won 1-0 against Japan and secured the gold medal.

With this goal, South Korea has maintained its position as champion for four consecutive Asian Games tournaments since the 2014 Incheon Asian Games.

At the time, facing Japan's team composed entirely of U-21 players, South Korea initially found itself at a disadvantage. Um Ji-sung received a cross from Yang Min-hyeok (Westerlo), shook off his marker, and finished with a brilliant goal.

Reflecting on that moment, Um Ji-sung said, "I was constantly losing possession, so I spent most of the match defending. I was simply waiting for my chance. Thanks to my teammates' excellent passes, that opportunity came."

He added, "There were actually chances in the first half as well, but due to the pitch conditions, we couldn't capitalize on them, so I told myself I had to take the next one. When I scored, I felt like I slipped slightly on the grass just before shooting. Thinking about it now, it may have just been good luck."

Born in 2002, Um Ji-sung also competed in the 2026 World Cup this year. The Asian Games men's soccer tournament is designated for players under 23 years old, and he was selected as one of three overage players, playing a central role for the team.

At this tournament, Um Ji-sung recorded 4 goals and 4 assists, topping both statistics among all players.

While the Asian Games does not award individual honors, judged solely on soccer performance, his output would undoubtedly merit the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.

When asked about the pressure of competing as an overage player, Um Ji-sung responded, "I can't say there was no pressure at all as an overage player. However, I think it's important to accept this pressure naturally, confront it, and do my best with what I can control."

"My teammates also helped me a lot with that. In such an environment, because I did what I could, we were ultimately able to achieve a good result."

Regarding his performance in the final, he said, "In the first half today, I was a bit confused due to the opponent's rhythm and the pitch conditions. However, since bringing back the result was more important than the match itself, I constantly had to mentally prepare myself to either score or assist."

"Normally, if my condition is poor, I might lose confidence. But because I kept telling myself to stay focused, I was able to finish the match well until the end."

Having played a central role for the team and achieved excellent results, Um Ji-sung characterized this Asian Games journey as follows: "This is a memory I will never forget for the rest of my life since I started playing soccer."

He also reflected, "When I think about the possibility of not reuniting with these teammates or training and playing together again in the future, it makes me a bit sad. However, since we achieved our goal, even if we meet again in the future, I believe we'll be able to talk about this experience with smiles and happy hearts."

By winning the gold medal at this tournament, Um Ji-sung also received military service exemption, laying the foundation to continue his career in Europe.

Before participating in the Asian Games, he performed well for his club in the early stages of the 2026-27 season, appearing in 6 matches with 2 goals and 2 assists.

Um Ji-sung emphasized, "Rather than thinking about military service, we were all united with the goal of a gold medal, so I'm truly happy we achieved this result."

"As for my future career, it depends on me. Now I need to return to my club and do the work that suits my position."

He also stated, "Currently, my club is at the top of the English Championship. For me, this marks the beginning of a new competition."

"Today, I'll savor the joy of victory for a moment, and when I return, I'll maintain my professional standards and give my all once again."

After the match, Um Ji-sung posed for celebratory photos with his teammates while holding the Taegeuk flag, at which point he suddenly ran forward and jumped.

With a smile, he said, "Actually, this isn't my usual style, but at that moment I was just so happy that I wanted to try it."

"I guess I just wanted to express that joy."

AI翻訳。

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