Japan thrash South Korea to advance to Women's Asian Cup final

Japan, having netted 24 goals across their initial four fixtures, kept their rivals hemmed in for most of the contest and generated numerous chances during the semi-final clash at Stadium Australia in Sydney.

The Nadeshiko opened the scoring in the 15th minute, with midfielder Fuka Nagano intercepting the ball just outside South Korea's box before laying it off to Riko Ueki, who finished confidently from near range to claim her fifth strike of the event.

They extended their advantage ten minutes afterwards, as Maika Hamano slipped beyond a pair of South Korean markers and rifled a fierce effort from an acute angle that crept inside the upright.

In the 75th minute, defender Saki Kumagai connected firmly with Momoko Tanikawa's corner via a towering header to extend the lead to 3-0, although South Korea managed a reply through Kang Chae-rim, only for Remina Chiba to add Japan's fourth goal in the 81st minute and eliminate any prospect of a fightback.

Kang's effort represented the inaugural goal conceded by Japan throughout the competition.

"I was very proud of them today. Sometimes it's not easy to just switch and play (a team) that has much more to give and make it look easy - and they actually did it," Japan coach Nils Nielsen told Channel Ten.

"They actually made this game look fairly easy and comfortable for us but it wasn't, because South Korea is a great opponent."

Japan will meet Australia in the decider at the identical location on Saturday, following the home side's 2-1 triumph against nine-time winners China on Tuesday.

"The Matildas really have an amazing team, they have adapted to whatever is coming their way," the Danish coach added.

Japan seeks a third Asian Cup crown, having previously claimed the honour in consecutive tournaments back in 2014 and 2018, overcoming Australia on each of those occasions in the finals.

Australia has lifted the trophy on one occasion since re-entering the Asian Football Confederation in 2006.