Suwon: Japan defeated Chinese Taipei 4-0 in South Korea on Wednesday to kick off their quest for a third consecutive title at the East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) E-1 Women's Football Championship.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Miyu Yakata, Yume Takikawa, and Hana Takahashi each found the net in Japan's opening match at Suwon World Cup Stadium, located approximately 30 kilometers south of Seoul. An own goal by Chinese Taipei defender Chen Ying-Hui in the 70th minute completed the 4-0 scoreline.
Japan, ranked seventh globally and the top team in Asia, has been a dominant force in the EAFF tournament, securing victories in four of the first eight editions, including the last two held in 2019 and 2022.
The tournament continues with South Korea facing China in their opening match later Wednesday, also in Suwon. South Korea is set to meet Japan on Sunday before concluding the event against Chinese Taipei next Wednesday. Japan is perceived as the tournament favorite, with South Korea, ranked 21st in the world, aiming to capture their first EAFF title since the inaugural competition in 2005.