Defending champions Korea Republic thrashed Jordan 3-0 in thier opening match of the AFC Youth Championship in Kolkata on Sunday.

Beginning their quest for a berth in FIFA Under-20 World Cup in July at Canada [Images], Korea began attacking from the word go.

Striker Young Sung Shim scored a brace netting the opening goal in the 14th minute and also their third goal in the 66th minute, while Lee Sang Ho scored the second from a penalty in the 49th minute.

Over 100 Korean fans cheered the visitors at the otherwise empty Salt Lake Stadium.

In Bangalore, fancied Japan [Images] beat North Korea 2-0 in a Group C encounter.

A firm favourite in their group that also includes Iran and Tajikistan, the Japanese asserted their supremacy over DPR Korea, who have qualified for the tournament after a gap of 16 years. But it was not a one-sided affair at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium.

Kazuhisa Kawahara scored in the 32nd minute off a pass from Yasuhito Morishama to give the five-time runners-up a 1-0 lead.

Yosuke Kashiwagi extended the lead, finding a Kawahara pass in the 82nd minute. Japan, in fact, found the North Koreans tough customers to deal with.

While Japan undoubtedly outplayed their opponents, the North Koreans played well in patches and held back the rival challenge most of the time.

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