Japan started the game on the front foot with Hisatsugu Ishii attempting a long-range effort high in the second minute, while Yotaro Nakajima’s cross into the box off a set-piece situation was easily cleared by Jonny Yull.

Toure was a constant thorn in the Japanese side on the left flank, trying to outpace Kaito Tsuchiya, who stood firm to deny the forward’s foray.

Australia had to be defensively compact as Japan made another move in the 14th minute with Rento Takaoka in the thick of things, setting up Ishii, who pulled his effort wide of the right post.

Australia’s first real chance came in the 33rd minute when Toure collected Alexander Badolato’s long pass inside the box but with only Japan keeper Wataru Goto to beat, the Randers FC starlet skied his effort.

Paul Okon had the best chance of the half in the 38th minute when Japan were caught by another long pass on the right flank with Frans Deli setting up Okon at the top of the box, but the midfielder’s effort was not powerful enough to squeeze through the Japanese defence.

Japan should have found the target in the 43rd minute when Ishii surged into the box and his deflected pass was collected by Takaoka who, however, blazed his effort high.

Australia, chasing their maiden title, Japan stunned in the 49th minute after Luka Jovanovic set Yull free inside the box who then squared the ball to Musa to slip it through the legs of Goto.

Japan tried to respond but Kazunari Kita’s tame effort from inside the box was easily collected by Australia custodian Steven Hall in the 54th minute, while Yuto Ozeki was denied by the bar from distance five minutes later.

Japan tried to respond but Kazunari Kita’s tame effort from inside the box was easily collected by Australia custodian Steven Hall in the 54th minute, while Yuto Ozeki was denied by the bar from distance five minutes later.

Australia tightened their grip in the 67th minute after Musa pounced on Katsuma Fuse’s errant pass with Badolato teeing up Pearman to finish with a curling effort from above the box.

The closest Japan came to finding the net was in the 90th minute with Yotaro Nakajima guiding his free-kick over the wall but just missing the right post as Australia deservedly advanced to the final.