The goalless stalemate in the earlier match between Japan and China PR left the door ajar for Korea Republic to win the title with the hosts determined to seize the opportunity.

Kim Mi-yeon put her header into the side netting from a corner before Jung Da-bing’s clever flick saw Chinese Taipei custodian Wang Yu-Ting pull off a great save at her near post as Korea Republic laid siege to their opponents’ goal in the early phase of the first half.

Despite the heavy downpour at Suwon World Cup Stadium, Korea Republic kept up their pressure but created little against a defensively disciplined Chinese Taipei defence with Jang’s shot from an acute angle the only other chance of note before the half-time whistle blew.

Korea Republic spurned a glorious opportunity to break the deadlock seconds into the restart after Mun Eun-ju had burst into the box to cut back for Jung but with the goalmouth gaping, watched in agony as she skewed her shot wide of the post from close range.

Chinese Taipei’s resilience was finally broken in the 70th minute after Chen Jin-wen brought down Kang Chae-rim in the box with Ji stepping up to convert from the spot despite Wang getting her hand to the ball.

Against the run of play and for the first time in the match, Chinese Taipei were able to create a chance eight minutes later but Chen smashed her attempt wide from just inside the box.

Jang made sure of the win in the 85th minute, finishing a cutback from Kim Min-ji as Korea Republic claimed the win and the title.

Photos: EAFF