Kuala Lumpur: Australia beat Japan 3-2 to secure third place in the AFC Under-19 Women’s Championship at Kuala Lumpur Cheras Stadium on Tuesday.

The victory ensures that Australia would join China PR and Korea DPR in the world finals this August in Russia.

Japan, who topped Group A and looked to be one of the best teams in the tournament, failed to make an impact when they needed to, allowing the Aussies to twice fight back.

The Japanese led 1-0 and then 2-1 before Australia, making their debut in an AFC finals, applied the killer blows.

For Australian coach Alistair Edwards, it was a bittersweet victory.

“While I’m very happy for Australia, I am also sad for the Japanese team because, in my view, Japan has been the best team in this tournament.”

Edwards, however, said Australia will do their best to fly the flag for Asia in Russia.

“We have qualified for the finals twice before as a member of the Oceania federation,” said Edwards. “But this time we are going as an Asian team and I can tell you that our players are proud to represent Asia in this competition and we will do our best for the continent.”

Japanese coach Morinao Imaizumi suffered his second successive disappointment after his team were beaten by China PR in a penalty shootout in Saturday’s semi-finals.

“It was a tough match because Australia are a very strong team,” said Imaizumi. “Both sides showed some great skills.

“My players did their best but there was something lacking in their performances. We have to go back and analyse what we did wrong and hopefully come back stronger for the next tournament.”

Japan took the lead on 10 minutes when midfielder Mizuho Sakaguchi put the ball in the Australian net. The Aussies fought back and equalised only eight minutes later when Leena Khamis dribbled uncontested into the Japanese box before beating goalkeeper Shiori Kobayashi.

The Japanese then restored their lead with one of the best goals of the tournament. A clever backheel from Sakaguchi sent the Aussie defence the wrong way and allowed Yumi Uetsuji to fire in a brilliant cross.

Yuki Nagasai applied the finishing touch with an excellent diving header.

The Australians, however, again refused to give up and substitute Jenna Tristam equalised with 15 minutes left.

Collette McCallum scored the winner for the Aussies with a goal three minutes from full-time.