Japan draw Australia 1-1, both into semifinals of AFC Women's Asian Cup

Japan and Australia drew 1-1 on Friday and both advanced to the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2018 semifinals and qualified for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2019.

Midfielder Mizuho Sakaguchi scored the goal for Japan in the 63rd minute, while forward Samantha Kerr from Australia saved her team in the 86th minute.

South Korea failed to qualify despite 4-0 win over Vietnam at the same time.

South Korea, which occupied the third spot in Group B, will face the Philippines on Monday in the tournament's play-off for fifth and sixth places, with the winners assured of a ticket to next year's FIFA Women's World Cup in France.

Midfielder Lee Mi-na scored in the 49th and 73rd minutes, while midfielder Cho So-Hyun scored in the 14th minute and forward Lee Geum-Min scored in the 38th minute.

Australia will meet Group A runners-up Thailand in the first semi-final on Tuesday with Japan facing Group A winners China later in the day.

（Xinhua）