Japan, DPR Korea enter quarterfinals

Bangalore, Nov 2 (UNI) Japan and North Korea advanced into the quarterfinals from Group C in contrasting style in the Bangalore leg of the AFC Asian Youth Football Championship here today.

An injury time header by P Chol Min helped North Korea defeat Tajikistan 1-0 and earn their berth in the last eight ahead of Iran, who, despite a gallant 2-1 win over favourites Japan, had to bow out owing to poor goal average.

It was a heart-breaking moment for four-time winners Iran, who fought hard to earn a deserving win over fancied Japan, only to be edged out by North Korea. All the three teams had two wins and a loss each. Japan topped the group with a goal average of plus six, followed by North Korea with an average of plus four. Iran, who had earlier lost badly to North Korea (0-5), had a minus one average.

Tajikistan's attempt to stop North Korea from entering the knockout stage almost came through. However, North Korea had the last laugh, with Min scoring the matchwinner in the injury time taking full advantage of a measured lob from J Chol Min near the rival post.

Iran, despite trailing by a goal at breather, bounced back in style to upstage Japan who seemed little over confident as they had already ensured their berth in the quarterfinals. Tusukasa Umesaki put Japan in the lead in the 21st minute. However, egged by their coach Oliviera, the Iranian boys fought back in the second half and scored twice through substitute Kamaleddin Kamyabinia and Farhad Alkhamis in the 52nd and 72nd minute respectively.

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