Group C: Japan 6-4 China PR

Having won their previous two games to secure a spot in the quarter-finals, the two East Asian teams began their battle for the top spot in Group C brightly.

Although both sides were evenly matched, Japan took the lead in the fourth minute when Katsumata Riho beat Zhang Yue before releasing a strong shot which China goalkeeper Zhang Meini could not keep out.

Three minutes later, Egawa Ryo doubled their lead with a similar move on the left flank as the forward reacted quickly to slot home after the ball was deflected by Zhang.

In the 13th minute, Japan committed their fifth foul and were forced to take a step back in their offensive plays, and Hu Jie’s charges then piled on the pressure, looking for their first goal but the 2015 runners-up did well to repel China.

However, China’s continuous attempts bore fruit 35 seconds from the half-time whistle with Li Yingqing finding the back of the net from a corner set-piece to reduce their goal deficit going into the break.