China's Chen Tao (R), scores a goal with header in front of North Korea's goalkeeper Kim Myonk-gil (L), defender Cha Jong-hyok (2nd L) and team mate Quan Lei during the men's soccer final at the East Asian Games in Macau, China, November 6, 2005. (Reuters)

Midfielder Chen Tao scored a late goal Sunday as China edged North Korea 1-0 to win the East Asian Games men's soccer final.

After entering the break tied 0-0, the North Koreans appeared to lack energy when they returned for the second half, while China built up the pressure.

China's aggression finally paid off in the 73rd minute when Chen found the net with a header off a Wang Ke corner kick.

The North Koreans failed to pick up their tempo after China's goal, but tensions rose in the waning minutes of the match when North Korea captain Kim Yong Jun elbowed a Chinese player to the ground.

Several Chinese players confronted their opponents, but tempers eventually calmed after Kim received a yellow card.

China captain Du Wei, who recently joined Glasgow Celtic, said he was impressed with his young teammates.

"Under the leadership of coach Zhu (Guanghu), these young players are very united. They have a never-say-die attitude on the field," Du said.

North Korea had its best chance early in the second half when forward An Chol Hyok had a close shot lined, only to have it swatted away by Chinese goalkeeper Li Shuai.

In other close calls, North Korean goalie Kim Myong Gil caught a long Chinese shot.

North Korea coach Kim Myong Song said his players were tired Sunday.

Zhu said his players were exhausted too, with some having played in the recent Chinese national games and then league games before the Macau tournament.

"It wasn't easy at all," Zhu said.

Earlier Sunday, Japan beat South Korea 4-1 in the bronze medal match on goals by Shingo Akamine, Jungo Fujimoto, Rui Komatsu and Daisuke Takahashi.

(Agencies)