Last grasp goal by Aoki puts Japan in semifinal

Bangalore, Nov 6 (UNI) A superb left footed goal by substitute Kota Aoki, with just three minutes to go for full time, helped Japan defeat Saudi Arabia 2-1 and book their semifinal berth in the AFC Asian Youth Football Championship here today.

Japan, despite holding the edge throughout and leading by a goal at half time, were stretched in the latter half by fighting Saudi Arabian lads, but Aoki, who replaced Kazuhlsa Kawahara in the second half, sealed their fate.

With their entry into the semifinals, Japan qualified for the World Youth Cup Championships, to be held in Canada next year.

The speedy Japanese boys, who pressed attacking button from the word go, shot into the lead in the very seventh minute with mercurial striker Kawahara heading home a measured free kick taken by Yosuka Kashiwagi just outside the rival penalty area on the right. The Asian giants pressed further for the rest of the first half, but some fine tackles by Saudi defenders and brilliant saves by keeper Ahmed Dalah kept them at bay.

After some persistent efforts, Saudi Arabia equalised in the 81st minute through a penalty. Referee Abdulla Al Hilali showed the dreaded spot when Morishima was pulled up for holding Saudi's highest scorer Jufain All Albishi. Jufain shot home the equaliser despite Japanese keeper getting a touch to the ball. This was Jufain's fifth goal in the championship, the highest by any player in the Bangalore leg.

With Saudis fighting back strongly and the Japanese boys getting tired, it looked as though the game would extend to extra time, but Aoki, who performed brilliantly as a substitute, changed the course of the match that was played in testing conditions after a heavy downpour at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium.

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