Japan secure 4-1 victory over South Korea to reach Women's Asian Cup final against Australia

Japan delivered a sharp performance to defeat South Korea 4-1 on Wednesday, earning a spot in the Women's Asian Cup final versus hosts Australia, where the two-time winners showcased their skill.

Riko Ueki of West Ham and Maika Hamano of Tottenham netted goals during the opening half in Sydney, followed by strikes from experienced player Saki Kumagai and Remina Chiba after the interval.

The team saw three additional goals ruled out.

Nils Nielsen's squad, ranked eighth globally, controlled the match with ease, sending a clear message to the Matildas.

Japan will take on Australia in the final at the same venue on Saturday, following Sam Kerr's decisive goal in the hosts' 2-1 semi-final triumph against title holders China on Tuesday.

Australia have battled intensely to advance, whereas Japan have enjoyed a smoother path.

Across their five matches, they have scored 28 goals while allowing only one.

"I am truly proud of their effort today," commented Nielsen, previously in charge of Denmark and Switzerland.

"Switching to face a stronger side and making it seem straightforward is tough, yet they managed it well, keeping things relatively calm for us.

"South Korea proved a solid adversary, though.

"Keep this from Australia, but our display today was not our peak," he noted.

"We had to dig deeper and elevate our level. It was solid enough."

South Korea faced a steep challenge against opponents they have not overcome in more than ten years, who sit 13 spots above them in the rankings.

Japan, rotating seven players from their quarter-final team, pressed relentlessly and could have led 1-0 within seven minutes.

However, Yui Hasegawa of Manchester City missed an easy chance, mishitting her effort wide of an empty net.

With play mostly confined to the South Korean end, a goal was bound to come, and Ueki provided it in the 15th minute.

Fuka Nagano from Liverpool regained possession inside the area and passed to her colleague, who slotted it home neatly, marking her sixth tournament goal.

Japan maintained the intensity and extended their advantage ten minutes later as Hamano burst into the penalty area from the right and fired in from a tight angle at the near post.

Overwhelmed by feelings, tears flowed as she celebrated.

Two further Japan goals were overturned before half-time due to offside and handball calls, helping South Korea stay in the game.

The pattern continued post-interval, with the Koreans rarely touching the ball.

Ueki hit the bar with an attempt before Kumagai headed in powerfully on 75 minutes for the third.

Unexpectedly, Kang Chae-rim scored a consolation for South Korea, but Chiba's strong shot soon after confirmed the win, with another Japan goal disallowed for offside near the end.