Chinese women's soccer team lost to Japan 0-1 on Thursday, and will play
DPR Korea in the semifinals at the 15th Doha Asian Games.
China gained uphand after the opening of the match and Ren Liping almost
broke the balance in the 4th minute. But Japan quickly
recovered and scored in the 27th minute when Iwashimizu Azusa powered home a
header from a free kick cross.
It turned out to be the only goal of the match.
Though China kept pressure on Japan and launched a string of attacks but made
few shots on goal facing a well-organized Japanese defense.
After the break, Japan gradually controlled the match and demonstrated high
efficiency, gaining advantage over China. Both teams failed to score again.
Earlier in the day, DPR Korea thrashed South Korea 4-1 at Al-Rayyan Football
Stadium in heavy rain. DRP Korea scored three times only 17 minutes into the
match, with goals from Ri Kum Suk in the 10th minute, Kim Kyong Hwa in the 12th
minute and Ri Kum Suk in the 17th minute.
DPR Korean Ri Un Gyong sealed victory with a goal in the 70th minute.
In Thursday's other matches, Chinese Taipei defeated Vietnam 3-1 at Al-Arabi
Football Stadium and Thailand beat Jordan 5-0.
The two semi-final matches are scheduled on Dec. 10.
