KUALA LUMPUR: Japan overcame a major obstacle when they beat Korea DPR 3-0 on the opening day of the AFC Under-19 Women’s Championship at Kuala Lumpur Cheras Stadium on Saturday.

In a tense Group A battle between the two East Asian rivals, Japan emerged triumphant with a double from Mizuho Sakaguchi, including one penalty, and one goal by Yuki Nagasato.

Japanese coach Morinao Imaizumi said the scoreline did not reflect how close the two teams were in standard, highlighting a glaring miss by Korea’s Kil Son-hui in the 50th minute that almost made the score 1-1.

“I think we were very lucky to win 3-0,Ehe said. “DPR Korea is a good team and their players are physically strong.

“If their player had scored that goal, the match would have been very different. We are very pleased to have won.E Korea DPR coach Choe Kyung-sok was upbeat about his team’s chances of qualifying for the semi-finals despite the defeat.

“Most of our players are beginners,”he said. “About 90 per cent of the squad have never played in an international match before.

“Japan were a superior team but I still think we can qualify from our group. We will be trying our best. Japan now face a crunch clash against defending champions Korea Republic on Monday with the winners favourites to finish top of the group. Korea DPR next face India.

“It’s an important match for us and the preparations start immediately,Esaid Imaizumi. “We will do our best to make sure our players are in the best condition to face Korea Republic. Japan took the lead in the 37 th minute when Sakaguchi headed past Korea DPR goalkeeper Wi Un-ok from a corner.

Korea DPR’s crucial miss came five minutes after the break after Japanese goalkeeper Shiori Kobayashi failed to field a routine ball on the edge of the box.

Kil stole in and had an open goal in front of her but, astonishingly, slammed her shot against the post.

Japan made her pay with Sakaguchi scoring from the spot in the 67th minute after pushing in the box by Korea DPR.

Nagasato sealed victory with a solo effort in the final minute.