Asian Games
China PR advanced into the last-four for the first time in 28 years after defeating Thailand 3-0, while Japan edged DPR Korea 1-0.
China PR 3-0 Thailand
China PR asserted their dominance from the start and were rewarded in first-half stoppage time when Chommaphat Boonloet spilled Peng Xiao’s effort at the far post
Wu Xi’s free-kick found Peng Xiao at the far post with his powerful parried by the goalkeeper only for the ball to ricochet off Auttapon Sangtong and into the net.
Hu Hetao doubled China PR’s advantage two minutes after the break before Zhang Yuning was introduced in the 58th minute.
The substitute needed just five minutes to make his mark, finishing off Zhu Chenjie’s assist to put China PR three goals ahead.
Forced to push higher in search of a way back, Thailand left space for China PR to exploit on the counter, with Zhang coming close to adding another with a low drive from close range.
China PR comfortably saw out the remaining minutes to seal their long-awaited return to the Asian Games semi-finals where they will face six-time winners Korea Republic.
Japan 1-0 DPR Korea
Brian Nwadike scored the decisive goal in the 39th minute, finding the back of the net after DPR Korea had enjoyed a spell of pressure, with Choe Kuk twice testing goalkeeper Rui Araki.
DPR Korea continued to push after the break but Japan also threatened to extend their advantage, with Yuto Ozeki and Shunsuke Ishibashi forcing saves.
Choe Kuk came close to forcing extra time in the 88th minute but Araki was equal to his effort as Japan held firm to seal their semi-final berth.
Japan will meet Uzbekistan in the semi-finials on Wednesday.
Photos: Asian Games
