Defending champion Japan cruised past China 3-1 on Tuesday to advance to the final of the Women's Asian Cup, the Asian Football Confederation's showpiece tournament.
Forward Mana Iwabuchi sent a left-footed rocket off the hands of diving keeper Peng Shimeng in the 39th minute to open the scoring, and a brace from substitute Kumi Yokoyama more than covered Li Ying's converted penalty in the 90th.
"Our aim was to control the game at our own pace," manager Asako Takakura said. "There was a moment in the second half when their defense raised the pressure on us, but our substitute (Yokoyama) finished it off and got us the win."