KUALA LUMPUR: Japan coach Yoshiro Moriyama said Gaku Nawata's two goals were the defining moments in their Under-17 Asian Cup final triumph against South Korea on Sunday.
Nawata struck his first with a sublime free-kick just after Korea had been reduced to 10 players, while his second ended whatever hopes their East Asian rivals had of a comeback.
He scooped the Most Valuable Player and Golden Boot awards.
Yutaka Michiwaki netted the third in added time.
The triumph meant Moriyama added the Under-17 Asian Cup title to the Under-16 Championship crown he guided Japan to in 2018.
"We couldn't play our usual attacking game because Korea defended well. The turning point, however, was the first and second goals scored by Nawata.
"His contribution was important because the Koreans have good attacking players and can score with just one chance," Moriyama, 55, told www.the-afc.com.
"We didn't change tactics, but before the first goal, our passing was not accurate.
"But we improved afterwards and had a chance to score from a free kick because the Koreans made it hard for us to score in open play."
Despite having a numerical advantage after Korea were reduced to 10 men following Ko Jong Hyun's dismissal, Moriyama instructed his charges to go on the offensive in the second half.
His plan paid off handsomely as Japan added two more goals with Nawata scoring off a beautiful team build-up before Michiwaki wrapped things up.
"I instructed the players to go on the offensive at the start of the second half and encouraged them to challenge for every ball."
He now wants his players to deliver at the Under-17 World Cup in Indonesia from Nov 10 to Dec 2.
"It will be the third time I will lead Japan to the World Cup.
"Previously, we managed a top-six finish. This year, I want them to reach the semifinals and maybe become the first Asian side to win the title."
Japan, South Korea, Iran, Uzbekistan and hosts Indonesia will represent Asia in the Under-17 World Cup.