Both teams, alongside DPR Korea, had qualified for the last four stage after Matchday Two, with Korea Republic the last team to join the cast on Sunday.

DPR Korea, who will meet China PR, topped Group A with a perfect record of three wins, having defeated Korea Republic (7-0), Philippines (6-0) and Indonesia (9-0).

China PR’s defeat to Japan meant they finished behind their East Asian rivals, having beaten Australia and Thailand by 3-0 scores in their earlier matches.

Besides their victory over China PR, Japan defeated Thailand (4-0) and Australia (4-1) in their earlier Group B matches and will face Korea Republic in the semi-finals brimming with confidence.

Korea Republic bounced back from their 7-0 defeat against DPR Korea to sail 12-0 past Indonesia before confirming their semi-final spot with a 1-1 stalemate against the Philippines.A