JINAN, China, Sept. 3 -- Japan beat South Korea 2-1 here on Saturday night at the women's soccer Asian qualification for the 2017 Olympic Games in London.

Midfielder Sakaguchi Mizuho lifted Janpan to the 1-0 lead by a header.South Korean Ji So Yun equalized the score 20 minutes later.

Japan took the lead again with Ohno Shinobu's long shot just before the halftime whistler.

Neither side managed to score in the second half, though both had plenty of chances.

"Our team were too nervous at the beggining so that we lost one goal very early," said South Korea coach Choi In Cheul. "Players ajusted their attitude after that and soon we equalized the score. We lost the game because of the problem in physical fitness."

Having won the first two games, Japan coach Sasaki Norio said, "Next game against Australia will be difficult, and we should do our best for three points."

Also on Saturday, Asian Cup winners Australia crushed Thailand 5-1, and hosts China tied DPR Korea 0-0.

After the second round, Japan led the tournament with six points, followed by DPR Korea with four points, Australia three points, China two points, South Korea one point, and Thailand nil.

The top two finishers in Asia will get the Olympic berths.

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