Hong Kong stun N Korea to set up Japan final

Hong Kong conjured up the the right magic to knock out North Korea in spectacular fashion last night and reach their first final at a multi-sport Games.

The hosts will take on Japan tomorrow after a thrilling semi-final victory before 9,400 fans at Hong Kong Stadium which was decided in a penalty shootout after the game ended in a 1-1 deadlock after 120 minutes - 90 minutes plus 30 minutes of extra time.

'It was just magic,' said Hong Kong's South Korean coach Kim Pan-gon after the penalty shootout ended 4-2 in favour of the home team. 'Tonight we made history, and, who knows, we can go on and make more on Saturday.'

Hong Kong goalkeeper Yapp Hung-fai was the hero at the death - saving one spotkick and then virtually psyching out another opponent with his intense gaze, inducing him to blast his kick over the bar, which led his teammates lined up at the halfway line to erupt in joy.

But the hosts also have to thank central defender Chan Wai-ho for giving them the belief that victory was possible. The 1.87-metre South China player scored a crucial goal right on half-time when he rose majestically above the defence to powerfully head home a corner from Wong Chin-hung.

With their nose in front, the second half was all about defence. Hong Kong held on grimly as North Korea pressed forward, bombarding the Hong Kong goal area with long balls. With the local players wilting, it seemed only a matter of time before the Koreans drew level.

Five minutes from the end, substitute Pak Kwong-yong knocked in a header to draw level and take the game into extra time. But Hong Kong weren't to be denied their date with destiny.