Action from China PR v Japan : AFC/SIMON YAP

KUALA LUMPUR: Defending champions Japan finally turned on the style to defeat China 3-1 on Wednesday and storm into the final of the AFC Under-16 Women’s Championship at Shah Alam Stadium.

After struggling through their two Group B matches, the Japanese played their best match of the tournament so far at the semi-final stage, ensuring qualification for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup.

China, who won Group A after beating Korea Republic 3-1 and drawing 0-0 with Australia, have a final chance to reach the FIFA tournament in New Zealand when they contest the third-fourth play-off on Saturday.

Despite playing in rainy conditions, the Japanese players showed the kind of skill coach Hiroshi Yoshida said was missing during their Group B campaign.

Japan were beaten 1-0 by DPR Korea in their first match before struggling to a 2-1 win over Thailand.

“In the past two matches, we wanted to play our own game, which is 3-5-2 but couldn’t because of the hot and humid conditions. Today we were able to do that and I’m happy we were able to win,” said Yoshida.

“We feel more confident when we play our own game and we hope to continue to play that way in the final.”

Chinese coach Wang Hong must now regroup her players for the third-fourth play-off.

“We had a pretty good first half and managed to take the lead and there was good interaction between the players,” she said.

“It was a mistake that led to their second goal and after that we got a bit nervous. We have to work on our mental preparation for our next match.”

China took the lead after 30 minutes when Li Shuang mishit a pass that found Wu Xuan. Wu let fly from distance to beat Japanese goalkeeper Saki Nakamura.

The Japanese fought back and started to put pressure on the Chinese defence. Their hard work eventually paid off in the 37th minute.

Nozomi Fujita delighted the noisy Japanese fans when she sent a delicate chip from a wide angle on the left that caught Chinese goalkeeper Chu Qiao unawares. The ball sailed over Chu’s head, bounced off the inside of her left post and settled into the net.

China were eager to bounce back immediately but it was Japan who then took a 2-1 lead when Mana Iwabuchi, who was targeted by the Chinese defenders on coach Wang’s instruction, made the most of Chu’s inability to hold a shot by firing in the rebound.

Despite their smaller size, the Japanese players showed too much skill and poise for the Chinese, who went 3-1 behind in the 67th minute when Chinatsu Kira beat Chu from close range.

Japan almost scored a fourth goal with three minutes remaining. Kira raced down the right and sent in a shot that Chu could only parry. Takako Sugiyama’s attempt at the rebound was snuffed out by Chu.