Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Jiangyin: Japan’s unbeaten streak continued in the AFC U23 Championship 2018 as they beat DPR Korea 3-1 to seal top spot in Group B on Tuesday.
The loss for DPR Korea, along with Palestine’s 5-1 victory over Thailand, meant Ju Song-il’s side missed out on a second place finish on goal difference.
Takahiro Yanagi and Koji Miyoshi gave Japan a healthy first half lead, and Kim Yu-song’s 52nd minute effort was wiped out by a penalty converted by Reo Hatate in the 72nd minute.
Japan, who had secured their place in the final eight after beating Thailand on Matchday Two, opted for a complete squad change from their previous match line-up but maintained their disciplined style of play.
DPR Korea played in their usual aggressive style, which forced their East Asian rivals to think quickly on their feet
Yanagi opened the scoring in the 32nd minute when Hiroki Ito’s free-kick found him in front of the goalmouth and he made no mistake from close range to take the lead.