体坛英语新闻：DPRK downs China 1-0 in extra time to reach Asian Cup final

"Japan have the best techniques of the last four teams," Shang added. "I didn't expect that they could be beaten by Australia, just as I didn't expect that we could lost due to one of our mistakes. But it is football. We will be very well prepared."

The defending champions harvested the unique goal on 108 minutes, 18 minutes into the extra time. Midfielder Kim Kyong Hwa pounced on the loose ball to break the deadlock after her teammate's shot was rejected.

DPR Korea, who beat China 2-1 in the Asian Cup final two years ago, created many scoring chances but failed to cash in a single one in the regular time.

The reigning champions took advantage of the field with their offensive attacks and solid defense, while China were pressed into their own half most time of the first half. The hosts even failed to make a real challenging attack against DPR Korea's goalmouth before the break.

Kim Kyong Hwa (L1) of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) shoots during the semifinal match against China at the AFC Women's Asian Cup in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, May 27, 2010. DPRK won 1-0.

China improved their performance in the second half and launched several counter attacks, but they still failed to open the scoring.

DPR Korea could have taken the lead when Ra Un Sim's powerful shot went narrowly wide in the 21st minute, two minutes before Kim Kyong Hwa's long shot was denied by China's goalkeeper Zhang Yanru.

DPR Korea's forward Kim Yong Ae was given time and space outside the box in the 33rd minute after an unforced error made by China's goalie and defender, but her shot to an empty net was rejected by defender Yuan Fan, one minute before Zhang rejected Yun Song Mi's low shot.