Japan edges DPR Korea 2-1, Thailand beats Myanmar 2-0
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Japan edged DPR Korea 2-1 at their Group A last round at the AFC Women's World Cup?in Chengdu?on Monday, while Thailand claimed their first victory by beating Myanmar 2-0.
"It's a very tough match," said Japan's coach Norio Sasaki. "DPR Korea are the defending champion and they are very strong. But we performed quite well."
As Japan and DPR Korea have both qualified for the semifinals on Saturday with one match to go, they didn't send their strongest squad.
The four-time runners-up took an early lead when forward Ando Kozue scored a sharp-angle penalty in the third minute after she was tackled down by DPR Korea's defender in the box.
Japan doubled their advantage ten minutes later when Nagasato Yuki made a powerful shot from Ando's fine pass.
Japan miss the chance to enlarge their lead when Ando's surpurb shot 15 meters away from the gate went narrowly wide in the 44th minute.
Reigning champion DPR Korea narrowed the gap in the 70th minute when defender Ra Un Sim headed in Jo Yun Mi's corner, but they missed the chance to make a equalizer when substitute forward Kim Yong Ae's powerful shot after a solo run went higher.
DPR Korea's misery was compounded when defender Jong Pok Sim was sent off with a red card in the 81st minute due to a serious foul.
Japan now top the Group A's ranking with nine points while DPR Korea are the runners-up with six points.
According to the Asian Cup's rule, Japan will take on Group B runners-up Australia in the semifinals on May 27, while DPR Korea will meet Group B winner China on the same day.
Thailand claimed their first victory at the Asian Cup as they beat Myanmar 2-0 on their Group A last round match.
The South Asian duo both failed to qualify for the semifinals as their opponents are powerhouses DPR Korea and Japan.
Thailand took the control of the field and opened the scoring in the 15th minute when Junpen Seespaum made a tight-angle penalty.
Thailand added another in the 89th minute with Waranya Chaikantree's header.
