Japan made it to the Asian Games men's soccer final for the first time since winning in 2010 with a 1-0 semifinal victory over United Arab Emirates on Wednesday night.

In Sunday's final, Japan will play South Korea, after the defending champion beat Vietnam 3-1 in the earlier semifinal at Pakan Sari Stadium. Japan is fielding an Under-21 team that is expected to form the core of the Tokyo 2020 U-23 Olympic side, while a gold for South Korea would give its players a prized exemption from the country's mandatory military service.

"The players' concentration never wavered despite it being such a tough game and that brought us victory," said Olympic and senior national team coach Hajime Moriyasu. "We can win a gold medal against South Korea if we take them head-on with all our strength."