Having impressed in advancing to the knockout stage, Japan got off to a rousing start with McGhee Jelani putting them ahead with a well-taken header after just four minutes.

A stung DPR Korea, who had won hearts with their never-say-die attitude, tried to fight back and had a glorious chance to equalise when Anthony Udemba Motosuna was penalised for a push on Kim Yu Jn, but his spot-kick was too close to Shuji Muramatsu, who dived to his right to keep the ball out.

DPR Korea, however, refused to concede defeat and started the second half with determination.

Their constant pressure paid off in the 67th minute when captain Ri Hyok Gwang chested the ball to So Jin Song, received it back and slotted home from just inside the box.

That forced the tie to a shootout and Han's effort sailed well over the bar as Japan converted all five of their penalties to advance to the quarter-finals for only the second time.

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