Japanese players celebrate a goal against Korea Republic. Photo by: AFC/Galvin Tan

KUALA LUMPUR: Japan earned a place in the semi-finals of the AFC Under-19 Women’s Championship with a 2-1 Group A victory over defending champions Korea Republic at Kuala Lumpur Cheras Stadium on Monday. The classy Japanese, who defeated DPR Korea 3-0 in their opening match on Saturday, scored two first-half goals to make sure of at least second place in the group. They face winless India in their final match on Wednesday and appear overwhelming favourites to seal top place in the group.

Korea Republic, meanwhile, face a crunch clash against neighbours DPR Korea for a place in the last four.

Japanese coach Morinao Imaizumi was relieved to have come through two tough matches with two victories. “It was a very tough day for us because the Korea Republic players are technically good and physically strong,” said Imazumi.

“So I’m very happy with the result. Playing against two strong teams has been very good experience for our players and hopefully we can continue to do well in this tournament.” Korea Republic coach Back Jong-choul said he remained confident his players could bounce back from defeat and advance to the semi-finals.

“We saw how Japan had beaten DPR Korea in their previous match so we knew we were in for a tough time,” said Back.

“Though we lost, we will try our best against DPR Korea and try to win.” Yumi Uetsuji opened the scoring for Japan in the 18th minute when she picked up the ball on the edge of the area after a goalmouth scramble and drilled home from 12 yards.

A shell-shocked Korea Republic tried to hit back but suffered another setback only 12 minutes later when Aya Sameshima pounced to make it 2-0 to Japan. The second half failed to produce the expected Korea Republic fight-back with Japanese forward Mami Yamaguchi twice coming close to scoring a third goal with long-range efforts. Korea Republic captain Cha Yun-yee managed to hit a consolation goal for her side one minute into injury time when she battled past a Japanese defender and found the back of the net. Japanese forward Yuki Nagasato won the MVP award.