CHONGQING: When Japan and Korea Republic clash in the semifinal of the AFC U-19 Women’s Championship, much more than a place in the final is at stake.

A berth in next year’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup awaits the winners of this match and the traditional rivalry between the two teams provides the perfect backdrop for a topdrawer encounter at the Chongqing Olympic Sports Centre Stadium.

Korea Republic finished atop Group B on goal difference ahead of defending champions China while Japan finished second to DPR Korea in Group A.

Korean coach Lee Yong-ki stayed focused on the game even as he issued a warning. “We preferred to conserve our energy in the last group game against China since we had already qualified for the semifinals.”

His Japanese counterpart Norio Sasaki said his team would be treating their rivals with respect but were not overawed. “They have big potential and they are a balanced team with solid defenders and fast and skilful strikers.”

“But we will play our normal football. We don’t have any special plan for the Koreans.”

Sasaki’s girls have good reason to be wary of Korean striker Jung Hae-in who has bulged the net in all three group games. Also playing a key role for Lee’s team will be right winger Jeon Ga-eul and her teammate on the opposite flank Kwon Hah-nul.

The match kicks off at 1600 hours local time.