China's soccer team goes down fighting against Japan

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01:15

Defending champions Japan scripted an easy 3-1 win over China to storm into the final of the AFC Asian Women’s Cup. The Japanese side played an entertaining semifinal match at the Amman International Stadium on Tuesday to set up Friday’s title clash against Australia.

Playing against the eight-time champions, Japan found the breakthrough in the 39th minute after striker Mana Iwabuchi scored with a powerful shot that flew past the diving Chinese goalkeeper Peng Shimeng.

Even though a jolted Chinese side pressed harder for the equalizer in the second half, but it was Japan’s substitute Kumi Yokoyama’s second half brace that guided Asako Takakura’s young side to their country’s fifth final in the tournament’s history.

China goalkeeper Peng Shimeng (R) fails to save a shot by forward Mana Iwabuchi (3rd, L) as Japan scores the first goal of the game during the first half of a Women's Asian Cup match in Jordan, April 17. /VCG Photo‍

With the resolute Japanese side sealing the game just before the final few minutes, Li Ying’s scored the consolation goal for China with her last gasp spot kick.

As a result of the defeat China to feature in a play-off for third place with Thailand, who were overpowered by the Australians in the first semifinal.