Japan beat South Korea 4-1 to meet Australia in Women's Asian Cup final

"Riko Ueki and Maika Hamano scored first-half goals to set Japan on course for a 4-1 victory over South Korea and a spot in the Women's Asian Cup final against Australia. Japan dominated the semifinal on Wednesday at Sydney's Stadium Australia against a South Korea lineup that edged the Australians on goal difference in the group stage."

"Asia's top-ranked team at No 7 in the FIFA list, Japan increased their tally to 27 goals in the continental championship when veteran defender Saki Kumagai headed in from Momoko Tanikawa's swinging corner kick in the 75th. The Nadeshiko finally conceded a goal for the first time in the tournament when Kang Chae-rim turned and fired in a right-foot shot from close range in the 78th."

"Japan beat Australia in back-to-back finals in 2014 and '18 but neither team reached the championship decider in 2022, when China edged South Korea in the final. Australia have reached the championship match four previous times since joining the Asian confederation but has only won the title once, in 2010."

Japan secured a dominant 4-1 victory over South Korea in the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup semifinal, with goals from Riko Ueki, Maika Hamano, Saki Kumagai, and Remina Chiba. Japan, ranked seventh globally, controlled the match and will face Australia in the final on Saturday in Sydney. Australia advanced by defeating defending champion China 2-1, with Sam Kerr scoring the decisive goal. Japan has won the continental championship twice, defeating Australia in back-to-back finals in 2014 and 2018. Australia has reached four championship matches but won only once, in 2010.

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