Midfielder Chen Tao scored a late goal yesterday as China edged North Korea 1-0 to win the East Asian Games men’s soccer final.

After entering the break tied 0-0, the North Koreans appeared to lack energy when they returned for the second half, while China built up the pressure.

China’s aggression finally paid off in the 73rd minute when Chen found the net with a header off a Wang Ke corner kick.

Earlier yesterday, Japan beat South Korea 4-1 in the bronze medal match on goals by Shingo Akamine, Jungo Fujimoto, Rui Komatsu and Daisuke Takahashi.