Two goals in four first-half minutes from Suzu Amano and Manaka Hayashi helped Japan overturn an early Hong Song-ok penalty and end DPR Korea’s four-match winning run in the tournament.

The win makes Japan the first nation to win the competition four times, as head coach Michihsia Kano’s charges followed on from previous successes at the U-17 level in 2005, and U-16 triumphs in 2011 and 2013.

While Japan claimed the title, both nations will represent Asia at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2020.

Teammate Maika Hamano, meanwhile, won the Top Scorer award to cap a successful tournament for Japan, who lifted the trophy for the first time since 2013.

Second half goals from Shi Xiaomin and Zou Mengyao completed the China comeback after Australia had taken the lead with less than a minute played through Hana Lowry.

Kim Hye-yong starred for DPR Korea, scoring two early goals to go equal top of the scoring charts before Kim Pom-i added a late sealer, as Hwang Yong-song’s side continued their excellent run of results to set up a meeting with either Japan or China PR in Saturday’s decider.

Australia’s defeat – their first in an 11-game campaign which began over a year ago – ends their dream of reaching a first ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, with a third-place finish now the best they can hope for.

Japan, who have also sealed a place in the 2020 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup India, will play DPR Korea in what promises to be a sizzling final between two of the most exciting teams in the competition on Saturday.

China, who can be proud of their battling performance in the semi-final, will play Australia in the third-place playoff.

As Japan, China PR, DPR Korea and Australia prepare for Wednesday’s semi-finals, the-AFC.com looks at six talented youngsters who have shone on the big stage in Chonburi.