BEIJING, DEC 9: Indian Eves routed Guam 10-0 but were edged out of a semi-final berth by North Korea on goal difference in the 11th Asian Women's Football Championship now under way at Guangzhou in Southern China.

Needing to score a huge 17 goals again Guam in their last Group `A' clash, India fell well short despite a brave effort to finish second behind group winners Japan.

Japan, hosts China -- winners of the last five editions -- and Taiwan automatically qualified for the last four alongwith North Korea. With 11 teams in the fray, the group winners and the best runners-up qualify.China meet Taiwan and Japan take on North Korea in the semis.

India, who went down fighting by a lone goal to Japan on Sunday, finished with six points from two wins and a loss, the same as North Korea. But the Korean women had scored 23 goals and let in four while it was 13-1 for India.India beat Hong Kong 3-0 in their opening league fixture.

China topped Group `B' thrashing the winless Philippines 16-0 and North Korea finished second swamping Uzbekistan 8-0. Taiwan topped Group `C' beating Kazakhstan 6-0 in their last league match today. Japan downed Hong Kong 9-0 to end up with an all-win record and nine points.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.