Chinese players leave the court after losing to Japan in the fourth round of the men's soccer tournament at the on-going 6th East Asian Games in Tianjin, Oct 12, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]

TIANJIN  - Japan beat hosts China 2-0 in the fourth round of the men's soccer tournament at the on-going 6th East Asian Games here on Saturday.

Both teams fielded U-20 players as part of their preparation for the 2016 Rio Olympics qualifiers. China took control early in the match and created a series of scoring opportunities.

But China's waves of attack came to a sudden halt when their playmaker Xu Xin from the junior B team of Atletico de Madirid injured his knee and had to limped off the pitch.

Japan's first goal came in the 40th minute as Suzuki Musashi's cross from the left found Asano Takuma. After only one minute Musashi' long shot from outside of the box beat China's keeper again to extend the lead to 2-0.

After the interval, the hosts tried to narrow the gap in front of a crowd of more than 10 thousand fans but failed to score.

China have gained only one point after three matches and will face DPR Korea, who remains unbeaten with two wins and one draw, in the last round. If they lose again they will have to face the embarrassment of finishing at the bottom on home soil.