China's national women's soccer team compete with Japan at East Asian Football Championship game in Kashima, Japan on July 26, 2022. Photo: Xinhua

China's national women's soccer team drew 0-0 with Japan in Tuesday's closing East Asian Football Championship game in Kashima, Japan, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

Japan won the 2022 East Asian Football Championship with two wins and one draw, while China finished second with one win and two draws, said Xinhua.

In the 32nd minute, Japan nearly scored after China goalkeeper Zhu Yu spilled the ball, but Gao Cheng slid in to make a vital block, it said.

Wang Shuang came close to putting China ahead moments later, as the striker's cross gave the hosts palpitations, but Zhang Rui's shot went narrowly wide. The second-half introductions of Zhang Linyan, Tang Jiali and Song Duan gave China fresh attacking impetus, but they could not apply a killer touch. 

The hosts mounted sustained pressure as Riko Ueki's shot hit the outside of the post and a Yui Narumiya volley presented a threat to China, but neither side could find a winner in a frantic last few moments, said Xinhua.

"Before the East Asian Football Championship, some older players suffered injuries and didn't play in many games. I hope they can get back to good condition in time," said China coach Shui Qingxia after the match. 

In Tuesday's other match, South Korea defeated Chinese Taipei 4-0 to finish third in the tournament.

Since 1986, the Chinese and Japanese women's soccer teams have met 43 times in various competitions. The Chinese team have a record of 20 wins, seven draws and 16 losses, but clearly have been at a disadvantage in the past 10 games with Japan, with three wins, one draw and six losses, according to thepaper.cn.

In the final round of the EAFF East Asia Cup, China's national men's soccer team will compete with China's Team Hong Kong on Wednesday.

Agencies - Global Times