Defending champions Japan had been in imperious form coming into the match, but the Young Green Falcons looked every bit the successor to their throne as they cruised to a consummate 2-0 win, setting up a mouth-watering decider against Korea Republic on Sunday.

But despite their impressive all around display, Atawi refuted any suggestion that Saudi Arabia are performing at the peak of their powers.

With midfielder Jeon Se-jin to the fore, three first-half goals saw the Koreans dominate proceedings early on, before Qatar recovered after the break to reduce the deficit through Lee Jae-ik’s own goal with over half an hour to play.

It proved to be a case of too little, too late for the West Asians though, with Pinheiro declaring that the result and the manner of the defeat would only serve to strengthen Qatar going forward – especially at next year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland.

Hopes of a second successive Japanese triumph were dashed as Turki Al Ammar and Khaled Al Ghannam's goals helped Saudi Arabia to a well deserved 2-0 victory at the Pakansari Stadium on Thursday, and Kageyama says his side must be better at the global Finals in May.

"We were supposed to be the Asian champions in this tournament, but our opponent Saudi Arabia had a big motivation," he said.

A brace from Jeon Se-jin coupled with Um Won-Sang’s goal on the stroke of half-time proved the difference as a distinctly impressive Korea Republic went through to Sunday’s title showdown with Saudi Arabia.

After guaranteeing a spot at next year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland thanks to their win over Tajikistan in the last eight, Chung had demanded that his Korea Republic players adopt a more confident approach for the game against Qatar. Not surprisingly, he was delighted with what he saw.

Khalid Abdullah Atawi's side will face Korea Republic in Sunday's decider after doing what no other side in the tournament had and blunting a Japanese outfit which had plundered 15 goals in their previous four matches.

The West Asians goals both came in the first-half, with Khalid Al Ghannam's stoppage-time effort following 29th minute opener from Turki Al Ammar.

A superb display and two goals from Jeon Se-jin laid the foundations for the victory, one which sees Korea Republic continue their quest to claim a 13th title at this level.

The Koreans will now face Saudi Arabia - who defeated Japan 2-0 in the other semi-final - in Sunday’s title showdown, leaving Qatar to reflect on what could have been at the end of a campaign which saw them - along with the other three semi-finalists - qualify for next year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland.