Hosts Japan were dealt a cruel 1-0 defeat after extra-time with Real Madrid winger Marco Asensio breaking Japanese hearts in a tight encounter at the sun-soaked Saitama Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Japan were aiming to secure their first appearance in the final of the men’s competition but couldn’t hold out in extra-time as Asensio struck with a fine curling effort in the 115th minute.
Asensio, who was overlooked by his country for a place in their Euro 2020 squad, was a second half substitute in Saitama and finished with aplomb to send Japan into a bronze medal match against Mexico.
Spain started with a host of players from their Euro 2020 squad which was knocked out in the semifinals by eventual winners Italy on penalties. Barcelona pair Eric Garcia and Pedri, as well as RB Leipzig’s Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal of Real Sociedad all featured.
For all of Spain’s riches and, having made clear their desire to win gold here at Tokyo 2020, the Japanese team had their own core of highly-rated players who boast a wealth of international experience and ply their trade in Europe.
Precocious young playmaker Takefusa Kubo, 20, of Real Madrid scored in all three of his country’s group games and he showed glimpses of his immense quality against Spain.
Captain Maya Yoshida, 32, of Sampdoria, who has over 100 caps for the senior Japanese national team, was joined in the starting 11 by VfB Stuttgart’s defensive midfielder Wataru Endo, 28, PSV Eindhoven’s Ritsu Doan, 23, and former Marseille right-back Hiroki Sakai, 31, who has returned home to play for J-League side Urawa Red Diamonds next season.
Young midfielder Ao Tanaka, 22, who joins German second tier outfit Fortuna Düsseldorf next season was deployed as a holding midfielder.
The Blue Samurai and rivals Spain were two of 16 teams in the men’s football competition at Tokyo 2020 with the former missing influential defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, who plays his club football in Italy’s Serie A with Bologna. He was suspended after picking up two yellow cards in the tournament.
Spain controlled the opening 20 minutes as Japan looked nervous with a string of wayward passes thwarting their own attacking ambitions.
Japan grew into the game and were allowed time on the ball by the visitors whose aforementioned Euro 2020 players had to withstand the baking summer heat of over 30 degrees having played full top-fight seasons and now back-to-back major international events for Spain.
RB Leipzig’s classy attacking midfielder Olmo showed some silky touches on the edge of the box and had a knack of always finding space and being able to receive the ball and quickly play it forward.
After half an hour Spain’s Oyarzabal had a half chance with a half volley after Cucurella crossed from the left flank and an outstretched Oscar Gil played the ball back across goal only for Spain’s number 11 to blaze over.
Japan needed to get their star man Kubo more involved and he threatened just before the break with a mazing run which pulled away Spanish defenders but after cutting back inside onto his favored left foot his cross was blocked for a corner.
After 55 minutes Spain were awarded a penalty for a foul on Merino by Yoshida, who was booked, but eventually the referee went to the video screen and it was overturned to huge applause from the Japanese media and delegation and the yellow card was also withdrawn.
Yoshida had to get his pinpoint last-ditch tackle right as he slid in and it was timed to perfection.
After 78 minutes Kubo drove into the box with another menacing run but shot straight at Spanish stopper Simon who could only parry it before the ball was cleared.
Japan were under heavy pressure from Spain in the closing minutes but substitute Yuki Soma offered some respite with some energetic breaks and he looked dangerous whenever he was in possession.
Kubo and teammate Doan were replaced for extra-time but Japan were still able to create chances and their best fell to Daizen Maeda, who came on for Roan, as the striker beat in-demand center-back Torres in the air but failed to hit the target.
Japan rallied in the second half of extra-time and enjoyed a good spell in Spain’s half only for Hajime Moriyasu’s side to cruelly fall behind in the 115th minute when substitute Asensio struck with a beautiful left-footed curling effort from inside the 18 yard box.
Spain advance to Saturday’s gold medal match against Brazil at the Yokohama International Stadium.
Rio 2016 gold medalists Brazil advanced past London 2012 gold medalists Mexico on Tuesday afternoon on penalties 4-1. Neither side was able to score in regulation or in the 30 minutes of extra-time.
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