Ao Tanaka produced a clinical second-half display to secure Japan's 2-0 victory over South Korea in a tense Group F encounter.

The midfielder opened the scoring in the 62nd minute after a slick passing sequence carved open the Korean defense, and he added a second goal shortly afterward to seal the points.

South Korea's qualification hopes took a heavy blow as they struggled to create clear chances against Japan's organized backline.

The result intensifies the battle for progression in the group and leaves South Korea needing results elsewhere to stay alive.