Riko Ueki and Maika Hamano scored first-half goals to propel Japan to a commanding 4-1 victory over South Korea in the Women's Asian Cup semifinal, securing a spot in the championship match against Australia. The match took place at Stadium Australia in Sydney, where Japan asserted control from the outset, showcasing their tactical superiority.

Japan dominated the semifinal against a South Korean side that had edged Australia on goal difference in the group stage. A potential third goal by Aoba Fujino in the 43rd minute was disallowed after a VAR review, a decision that momentarily disrupted Japan's momentum but did not alter the overall course of the game.

Ranked as Asia's top team in the FIFA standings, Japan extended their lead to 3-0 in the 75th minute with a header from veteran defender Saki Kumagai. South Korea managed to score their first goal against Japan in the tournament in the 78th minute through Kang Chae-rim, but Remina Chiba quickly restored the three-goal cushion with a powerful strike in the 81st minute, sealing the 4-1 result.

The final will be held on Saturday in Sydney, pitting Japan against Australia in a highly anticipated clash. Japan has previously defeated Australia in back-to-back finals in 2014 and 2018, though both teams missed the championship decider in 2022. Australia has reached the final four times since joining the Asian confederation but has only claimed the title once, in 2010, highlighting the competitive nature of the tournament.

Japan remains the only Asian nation to have won the Women's World Cup, achieving this feat in 2011 by defeating the United States on penalties. All four semifinalists have automatically qualified for the 2027 Women's World Cup. In Thursday's playoffs for additional spots, Taiwan will face North Korea, while the Philippines will take on Uzbekistan on the Gold Coast.

Source: www.aljazeera.com