The MPPJ Stadium where the final of the AFC U-16 Women's Championship will be held on Saturday: AFC photo by Stanley Chou

KUALA LUMPUR: The climax of the AFC U-16 Women’s Championship on Saturday has major significance for all four teams taking part with at least one side facing disintegration should they fail at MPPJ Stadium.

Finalists Japan and DPR Korea will keep their teams together for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in New Zealand.

However, the same will not be the case for either China or Korea Republic, who meet in the third place play-off with only the winners qualifying for New Zealand.

Japanese coach Hiroshi Yoshida is delighted to be able to continue coaching his team of skilful youngsters, who recovered from their early loss to DPR Korea in the group stages to reach the final.

“We have gotten better as the tournament progressed,” said Ri, whose team played their best match in the 3-1 semi-final win over China. “Our aim is to play good football and show the world our technique and skills."

“In the semi-finals we were able to play our own game and we are happy to be in the final.”

DPR Korea coach Ri Un-ham has watched his team win all three matches they have played so far, racking up 12 goals along the way.

“We have been nervous a few times but we have managed to win all our matches,” said Ri. “But there is still one match to go and we have to make sure we do not relax.”

Korea Republic have had an up and down tournament. First-half jitters saw them lose 3-1 to China in their Group A opener before they turned on the style for a 3-1 victory over Australia.

After a good start against DPR Korea in the semi-finals, they eventually lost 4-1 in wet conditions, which resulted in a number of errors.

“Even though it was raining, it is the same conditions for all teams,” said Korea Republic coach Kim Yong-ho. “I am happy with my players and thank them for trying their best in all matches. Hopefully, we can gain something from this tournament.”

China are in danger of finishing the tournament empty-handed despite winning Group A with victory over the Koreans and a 0-0 draw with Australia.

“We had a good start to the tournament but the players got a bit nervous in the semi-final,” she said. “But we are a good team and hopefully we can finish on a high.”