China stun Japan in AFC Women’s Asian Cup semifinals, face Korea in last

A gritty China fought again from a goal-down twice earlier than beautiful two-time defending champions Japan 4-3 within the penalty shootout within the semi-finals to guide a summit conflict towards Korea within the AFC Women’s Asian Cup right here on Thursday.
Japan led twice within the match, first within the regular time and second within the additional time however China had solutions every time to take the match to the penalty shootout on the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex.
As the epic match ended 2-2 after additional time, China prevailed 4-3 within the dramatic penalty shoot-out to stay on track for a document extending ninth title within the continental showpiece.
The Steel Roses had received seven consecutive titles between 1986 and 1989 earlier than including one other one in 2006.

✨FINALISTS✨
✅ First look in last since 2008✅ An opportunity to raise continental 🏆 after 14 years
It’s a primary look on the #WACFinal for 🇨🇳 The Steel Roses in 1️⃣4️⃣ years! 👏 pic.twitter.com/c7i25lsP09
— #WAC2022 (@afcasiancup) February 3, 2022
Japan, who had triumphed in 2014 and 2018, dominated the match however wasted probabilities to fail of their bid for a hat-trick of titles.
Earlier within the first semifinals on the identical venue, Korea defeated Phlippines 2-0 to make it to their maiden semifinals.
The summit conflict can be performed at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.
Japan made their intentions clear within the first minute with Hinata Miyazawa testing China custodian Yu Zhu from distance, whereas Riko Ueki missed a golden alternative to place the defending champions forward three minutes later from contained in the field.

🇨🇳 The Steel Roses steal the present tonight, after an unimaginable and dramatic comeback on the #WAC2022 semi-finals towards Japan! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/bV0CXkwLLJ
— #WAC2022 (@afcasiancup) February 3, 2022
Ueki was a continuing risk and virtually discovered the breakthrough after Ruka Norimatsu set her by way of on objective within the sixth minute however China goalkeeper Yu Zhu was fast to dam the ahead’s effort.
Japan elevated the strain with Saki Kumagai and Mana Iwabuchi each lacking from contained in the six-yard-box as China soaked up the strain.

Japan ought to have taken the lead within the twenty first minute when Hinata Miyazawa despatched a pleasant by way of ball however Ueki’s effort from shut vary was saved by an advancing Yu Zhu.
China’s defence, nonetheless, was lastly breached within the twenty sixth minute when Hinata Miyazawa burst down the left flank and despatched an ideal cross to Ueki, who scored with a glancing header previous Yu Zhu.
Japan got here near extending their benefit on the stroke of half-time with Miyazawa sending her long-range effort simply vast with only one objective separating the edges going into the break.

⏰ FULL TIME | 🇨🇳 China PR 2-2 Japan 🇯🇵 (4-3 on pens)
WHAT. A. MATCH!
The Steel Roses bounce again twice within the sport to guide themselves a spot within the #WACFinal after a penalty shootout win over defending champions Japan!#WAC2022 | #CHNvJPN pic.twitter.com/G13TKhbMtB
— #WAC2022 (@afcasiancup) February 3, 2022
Japan’s missed alternatives price them dearly as China drew degree only a minute into the restart, with Xiao Yuyi muscling her well beyond a marker earlier than sending a pleasant ball to Wu Chengshu to complete.
Japan virtually replied with a objective eight minutes later when Miyazawa set-up Iwabuchi properly on the high of the field however the midfielder couldn’t discover the goal, sending her effort vast.
Japan ought to have taken the lead within the seventy fifth minute however Ueki failed to seek out the again of the web from shut vary after Iwabuchi’s cut-back, with extra-time wanted to determine the semi-final.

China survived a scare within the 97th minute when Ueki arrange Hasegawa properly on the high of the field however the midfielder’s effort was denied by the crossbar.
Japan’s persistence lastly paid off within the 103rd minute after Ueki beat the China offside lure to complete off Hasegawa’s free-kick with a diving header.
Yu Zhu then needed to save Hasegawa’s shot from contained in the field and Ueki’s header moments later as Japan took a 2-1 lead going into the second half of extra-time.
China didn’t make a lot headway within the second interval however simply when Japan thought that they had secured their place within the last, up stepped China skipper Wang Shanshan to attain the equaliser as she reacted quickest to Zhang Xin’s cross within the 119th minute to pressure the sport into penalties.

Yu Zhu then saved the primary and fifth penalties and Wang Shanshan, fittingly, scored the winner from the spot as China superior to their first last since 2008.