|
|
Saudi Arabia shock defending champion Japan 3-2 at Asian Cup semis |
 |
+ |
- |
08:22, July 26, 2007 |
Saudi Arabia stunned defending champion Japan 3-2 in a thrilling semi-final match here on Wednesday to reach the final of the Asian Cup.
Yasser Qahtani powered the ball home via a freekick in the 35th minute, giving Saudi Arabia a 1-0 lead.
Japanese defender Yuji Nakazawa equalized the score with a powerful header through a corner kick just two minutes later.
Saudi Arabia retook the lead only two minutes into the second half with Malek Alhawsawi's header.
Japan soon leveled the score again as midfielder Yuki Abe sent the ball home with a brilliant overhead kick in the 53th minute.
But the Japanese team paid the price for its loose defense in the 57th minute when Alhawsawi scored his second, sealing the 3-2 victory.
The Japanese side concentrated on offensive afterwards and Naotake Hanyu almost scored when his powerful long shot hit the bar in the 81st minute.
Saudi Arabia will play Iraq in the final on July 29 in Jakarta where Japan will face South Korea in the third-place playoff.
Source: Xinhua
|
|
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article