Japan Beat Uzbekistan on Penalties to Set Up Final Against South Korea

Dragon Media News Desk

Hosts Japan advanced to the men’s football final at the Aichi–Nagoya Asian Games after defeating Uzbekistan 9–8 in a penalty shootout on Wednesday. They will face defending champions South Korea for the title.

Uzbekistan took the lead through Sardorbek Bakharomov. With Japan facing elimination, Sena Ishibashi equalised two minutes before the end of regulation time. Japan then prevailed in a tense penalty shootout.

In the other semifinal, South Korea defeated China 2–1 to keep their bid for a fourth consecutive gold medal alive. Bae Jun-ho scored the decisive goal.

China, who have never won the Asian Games men’s football title, had reached the semifinals for the first time since 1998. Their defeat ended hopes of securing a maiden gold medal at this edition.

Japan and South Korea will contest the men’s final on Saturday. The women’s final, scheduled for Friday, will feature North Korea and Japan.