The Chinese women's soccer team have beaten their last and strongest group rivals South Korea 3-nil to secure their third consecutive victory in their quest to march to the Athens Olympic Games.

China netted all three goals in the second half of the match in Japan on Thursday, advancing to the semi-finals.

The win came after two easy victories over Guam and Myanmar.

With the convincing win, China now tops Group B.

But funnily, it will meet South Korea again in the semi-finals on Saturday. Asian champs North Korea and Japan will compete in the other semi-final match on the same day.

Eleven Asian teams have been divided into three groups in the preliminary round.

The top team from each group and the best runner-up will reach the semi-finals, with the two finalists qualifying for Athens.

Source: China Radio International