(LEAD) (Asiad) S. Korea blanked by Japan in women's football semifinals, to face China for bronze

Nagoya, Japan — In a hard-fought semifinal match at the Asian Games women's football tournament on Tuesday, South Korea fell 2-0 to host nation Japan. Both goals were scored by Japan's Chiina Kamiya at Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa in Fukuroi, roughly 100 kilometers east of Nagoya's main host city. The victory ensured Japan's sixth consecutive Asiad final appearance, and sets up a rematch of the 2023 Asiad final, where Japan defeated South Korea 4-1.

The bronze medal match will take place Friday at 3 p.m., also in Fukuroi, as South Korea will face China. South Korea were seeking their first women's football title, having previously claimed bronze medals in 2010, 2014, and 2018. The two teams have faced each other 27 times, with South Korea winning just four matches, the last victory occurring in August 2015.

The first 35 minutes of the match were largely devoid of goal-scoring opportunities, with no shots on target from either side during that period. Things heated up after halftime, however, as Japan took control and ultimately secured the victory.