The biggest crowd of the EAFF Football Championships witnessed victory for the hosts over Japan in South Korea on Wednesday night. A 1-0 win was enough to secure a third EAFF trophy in a row and a record fourth overall for Paulo Bento’s side at the Asiad Main Stadium in Busan. The teams entered the game with a 100 per cent record at this year’s EAFF competition, both having beaten Hong Kong and China. However, Japan’s superior goal difference meant that a draw would have been enough to see them top the group. That was likely behind South Korea’s early intent as they looked to create chances from the kick-off. They were easily on top from the outset and had fashioned the better chances, hitting the post twice. The breakthrough goal was scored by Hwang In-beom after 28 minutes. The Vancouver Whitecaps schemer received the ball at the edge of the area, eluded the closest defender and fired through a crowd of Japanese players into the corner of the net. It was a deserved lead that was backed up by the half-time stats. The hosts had 58 per cent of possession, seven corners to Japan’s one and five shots to one. Japan had little to show for their efforts but a hopeful penalty claim against South Korea skipper Kim Young-gwon and a Musashi Suzuki shot that flashed past the post. The second half was a different story. A one-goal lead meant that both sides had to attack, the hosts to extend the lead and Japan to claim back the advantage in lifting the trophy. This led to an enthralling game but one that proved just too short for Hajime Moriyasu’s young players as they piled on the pressure in search of an equaliser. By the end the stats were testament to Japanese desire to come back and a sustained effort to counter by the Korean side. Possession finished at 52-48 per cent in favour of Japan while the shot count read 14 for South Korea and six to Japan. The most important statistic was that only one of them, Hwang’s goal, was on target.