FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Final: The Journey to Dreams

Japan and DPR Korea set up an all-Asian final at the Amman International Stadium on October 21 Friday (local time) to ensure that the champions would be Asian for the fourth time in five editions with two 3-0 resounding victories in the semi-finals.

DPR Korea silenced Deyna Castellanos and her Venezuelan team-mates while Little Nadeshiko cruised past Spain, whom they beat two years ago to lift the title, to advance to their final match date.

Asian dominance in this competition is nothing new.

And both Asian sides are dreaming to become the first nation in the world boasting two trophies in the cabinet.

Since its inception in 2008, Asian teams have always taken part in the final showdowns. In the first edition in New Zealand, DPR Korea overcame United States 2-1 to pave the way to an era that saw them become the most successful team in the competition.

In Trinidad and Tobago 2010, Korea Republic and Japan met in the first all-Asian final that ended up in favour of the South Koreans on penalties after a 3-3 draw. DPR Korea had to settle for fourth place.

Azerbaijan 2012 saw a breakthrough by France who clinched the title at the expense of DPR Korea 7-6 in the penalty shoot-out while Japan had to wait for Costa Rica 2014 to win their first title with a 2-0 win over Spain.

Japan go into Friday's showpiece looking for a revenge against DPR Korea. Almost 11 months ago, on November 15, they suffered a 1-0 defeat in the AFC U-16 Women's Championship final against none other than their next opponents.

Japan and DPR Korea have met once in the 2010 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup when the eventual runners-up beat DPR Korea 2-1 in the semi-finals.

On their way to this year's final, Japan were the only team to grab nine points from the group stage beating Ghana, Paraguay and the United States before overcoming England and Spain both by 3-0 in the last eight and last four respectively.

Japan coach Kusunose Naoki said after the game: "The difference is that we know each other very well. We have played against DPR Korea many times, we know how their style of play so it is going to be an intense clash.