Ten-man Japan twice came from behind to battle past hosts Qatar and reach the Asian Cup semi--finals on Friday, where they will be joined by a history-making Uzbekistan, who beat Jordan 2-1.
Defender Masahiko Inoha was the hero of the day for Japan, who are chasing their fourth continental crown, snatching a dramatic 3-2 winner in the 90th minute to leave the hosts heartbroken.
“I knew it would be a difficult match and it was a very difficult match,” said Japan’s Italian coach Alberto Zaccheroni, whose side will take on Iran or East Asian archrivals South Korea for a place in the final.
Photo: EPA
“With 10 men, we were one man short, but we still had more possession.” Zaccheroni added. “That our defender scored the winning goal demonstrated what Japanese [soccer] is about.”
Qatar’s French coach Bruno Metsu was proud, despite -failing to steer the 2022 World Cup hosts to their first ever Asian Cup semi-final.
“The players really caused problems for Japan. Not everyone can do that. It’s the best performance they’ve given,” Metsu said.
Photo: Retuers
“The team put in a very good performance, tactically and physically, and showed a great image of [soccer] in Qatar,” Metsu added. “The players are disappointed, some of them cried. To lose a match like that is cruel, but that’s part of the game.”
Sebastian Suria’s 12th-minute opener for Qatar was canceled out by Shinji Kagawa, who drew Japan level again with 20 minutes to go after Fabio Cesar’s free-kick had crept inside Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima’s near post.
Japan defender Maya Yoshida was dismissed after receiving a second yellow card in the incident that led to the free-kick, but with the arena set for extra-time, Inoha struck a decisive last-gasp blow.
In the later game, Uzbekistan looked to be sailing after striker Ulugbek Bakaev netted a quick-fire second-half brace to put the Central Asians 2-0 up against surprise package Jordan and on their way to a maiden semi-final.
However, Uzbekistan were left to weather several nervy moments after Bashar Bani Yaseen struck from close range shortly before the hour to set up a grandstand finish.
Uzbekistan coach Vadim Abramov, whose team will take on Australia or Iraq in the semis, said he told his team to come out in the second half and attack.
“At halftime I told them that in the first five minutes they must be strong. I told them to attack as soon as they went out and we got two goals,” he said. “It was a tough game because I think some of my players were a bit scared to play, but obviously I’m very happy.”
Asked if they could now win the tournament, he replied: “Yes, why not? From the first time I got here I said we have come here to win. It’s the same now.”
Abramov made five changes to the side that drew 2-2 with China in their last game, including picking Bakaev.
Meanwhile, Jordan were burdened by a slew of injuries, with Odai al Saify, Hatem Aqel and Anas Bani Yaseen all ruled out.
Jordan coach Adnan Hamad said he was proud of his tired team.
“We lost focus in the first five minutes of the second half, but we got back into it and were very close to getting a draw,” the Iraqi said. “I admit fatigue and exhaustion were there and we were missing four key players, so this affected us.”
Former CSKA Moscow player Bakaev got his first 60 seconds after the start of the second half when he beat the offside trap to meet a free-kick from captain Server Djeparov and head past Jordan goalkeeper Amer Shafi.
Jordan were caught napping again just minutes later when Bakaev darted in front of a defender to prod the ball home after a low cross from the left flank.
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