22 Jan 2011

Japan sink Qatar in dramatic quarter-final

8:17 am on 22 January 2011

The Japanese football team have snatched a 3-2 win in their Asian Cup quarter-final over hosts Qatar despite a red card reducing the visitors to 10 men.

A dramatic last-minute goal from defender Masahiko Inoha sealed the victory in the 90th minute at a packed Al Gharafa Stadium to keep alive Japan's bid for a fourth continental title and crush Qatar's dreams of a first semi-final appearance.

Another Japan defender Maya Yoshida was harshly dismissed after receiving a second yellow card.

Japan will play the winners of tonight's quarter-final between Iran and South Korea for a place in the final.

Three second-half goals lit up the day's other quarter-final with unbeaten Uzbekistan edging Jordan 2-1 at Khalifa International Stadium.