Japan crush S Korea to set up Asian Cup final showdown with Australia

Japan continued their fine goalscoring form as they cruised past South Korea 4-1 on Wednesday to book their ticket to the final of the women’s Asian Cup, where they will take on Australia.

Japan, who scored 24 goals in their first four matches, penned their opponents back for much of the game and created plenty of scoring opportunities in the semi-final tie at Sydney’s Stadium Australia.

The Nadeshiko went ahead in the 15th minute when midfielder Fuka Nagano stole the ball on the edge of South Korea’s penalty area and squared for Riko Ueki, who made no mistake from close range as she netted her fifth goal of the tournament.

They doubled their lead 10 minutes later as Maika Hamano wriggled past two South Korean defenders, before unleashing a vicious shot from a tight angle which squeezed in at the near post.

Defender Saki Kumagai met Momoko Tanikawa’s corner with a powerful header to make it 3-0 in the 75th minute, and while South Korea clawed a goal back through Kang Chae-rim, Remina Chiba netted Japan’s fourth in the 81st minute to snuff out any comeback hopes.

Japan take on Australia in the final at the same venue on Saturday, after the hosts defeated nine-times champions China 2-1 on Tuesday.

They are looking to win a third Asian Cup title, after also lifting the trophy in back-to-back editions in 2014 and 2018.