HANGZHOU, China (AP) — South Korea’s men defeated Japan 2-1 to take soccer gold at the Asian Games on Saturday and also collected the much bigger prize of military exemption.
All male gold-medal winners at the Games are, by South Korean law, granted exemptions from the 18 to 21 months of military time that all able-bodied men must start by the time they turn 28. Instead, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Lee Kang-in along with 21 other players in the roster will only be required to do 544 hours of community service.
It is the third successive triumph in the tournament for South Korea after winning gold in 2014 and 2018, when English Premier League star Son Heung-min and Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae were triumphant.
The 2018 final saw victory against Japan and revenge looked possible as Kotaro Uchino put the Blues ahead within 90 seconds, shooting high into the net
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