China finish as runners-up in women's East Asian Cup

China finished second in the women's 2025 EAFF E-1 Football Championship on Wednesday after a goalless draw with Japan in the final round, while South Korea beat Chinese Taipei 2-0 to win the event's title for first time in 20 years.

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

Yoshida Riko (2nd R) of Japan vies with Jin Kun (1st L) of China during the women's football match between Japan and China at the EAFF (East Asian Football Federation) E-1 Football Championship 2025 Final in Suwon, South Korea, July 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin)

The second half saw both teams continue to push forward, but heavy rain affected performances of both sides. In stoppage time, Japan's Takahashi Hana had two chances to score but narrowly missed both. The match ended in a 0-0 stalemate.

With one win and two draws each, China, Japan and South Korea all finished with five points. Chinese Taipei was at bottom after three defeats. The three top teams were tied in points, head-to-head results and goal difference. According to the EAFF competition rules, rankings were then determined by the number of goals scored among the tied teams.

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

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

Reflecting on the last-minute goal conceded against South Korea on July 9, Milicic admitted, "Conceding in the final minute cost us the title. It's a lesson we must learn -- we can't afford to lose focus in the closing moments of a match."

Chinese player Wang Shuang told Xinhua that the team improved with each game during the tournament. "Our teamwork and understanding got better throughout the tournament. Today, some of the younger players really impressed with their bravery and confidence," she said.

"I think the experience we gained from this tournament is more valuable than the results themselves. I believe these younger teammates will grow stronger and more confident as they gain more playing opportunities in the future," she added.