TAIF: A dramatic penalty shootout saw Saudi Arabia beat Japan on Sunday to move into the U17 Asian Cup semifinals for the first time since 1992.
With the score at 2-2 after 90 minutes of regular football, the shootout ended 3-2 to leave the Green Falcons celebrating with their home fans and looking forward to Thursday’s clash with either South Korea or Tajikistan.
It was a busy start to the quarterfinal, with Abdulrahman Sufyani having a close-range shot saved in just the third minute and then seeing his rebound attempt bounce off the crossbar.
Shortly afterwards, however, Abubaker Saeed handled the ball in the area and, after a VAR check, Japan’s Taiga Seguchi scored from the spot in the ninth minute.
It was a short-lived lead. In the 15th minute, Abdulaziz Al-Fawaz was bundled over in the area and Saeed stepped up to convert the penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
It got even better for Saudi Arabia eight minutes before the break. Sufyani ran free down the right, cut inside the area and pulled the ball across goal for Sabri Dahal to fire home from close range.
It was looking good for the home side until Japan equalized with 18 minutes remaining. Daichi Tani’s through ball from the middle dissected the Saudi defense for Hiroto Asada to sprint through and roll the ball past Abdulrahman Al-Otaibi.
This meant it came down to a penalty shootout. Al-Otaibi almost kept out Asada and then Nasser Al-Fihani made it 1-1. Yazeed Al-Dosari did the same after the second Japanese effort to make it 2-2.
There were celebrations as Al-Otaibi saved a low strike from Yuito Kamo but then Thari Saeed also saw his attempt kept out.
It was still two apiece, but Shota Fujii hit the bar, giving Saudi Arabia another chance and this time it was taken coolly by Maher Tawashi. It meant Japan had to score with their last effort, but once again they hit the woodwork — keeping the hosts on course for a first continental title since 1988.
