Japan quickly settled into their short passing game to establish a dominance on the tie, culminating in a 11th minute lead when Satoshi Tanaka fizzed a pass towards Mao Hosoya, who controlled and turned in one move before firing a low shot past Yan Junling.

China PR could have levelled proceedings when Zhang Yuning was released inside the box but saw his first-time effort blocked by Japan custodian Tomoki Hayakawa.

Hosoya had an opportunity to add to his early strike when he got his head to Kota Tawaratsumida’s cross from the left but saw his attempt go just wide of the post with Yan then denying Ryunosuke Sato late in the first half.

After the break, China PR pushed higher up the pitch in search of the equaliser with teenager Wang Yudong going close in the 52nd minute, cutting in from the left before seeing his powerful strike punched away by Hayakawa.

Japan seized on more openings in China PR’s defence to double their lead in the 63rd minute, Henry Mochizuki unleashing a low shot which took a slight deflection off Zhu Chenjie which left Yan wrong footed as the ball landed in the back of the net.

Two-time champions Japan continued to create more chances with Yan called into action to block efforts from Hosoya and Yuki Soma as they comfortably saw out the win.

Photos: EAFF