Bogor, W Java (ANTARA News) - Japan`s U-23 National Team qualified for the final after silencing the U-23 National Team of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with a score of 1-0 in the 2018 Asian Games men`s soccer semi-final match at the Cibinong Pakansari Stadium here on Wednesday night.

Despite playing through the first half without a goal, Japan managed to score a goal in the second half through a powerful kick from substitute Ayase Ueda.

In the second half, Japan continued to increase attacks, although the attack was deviated or broken by the UAE defense line several times. The UAE attacked more often through the opportunity to counterattack.

Japanese midfielder Daizen Maeda stabbed into the opponent`s defense several times and fired a direct kick, but his shot deviated from the target several times.

The game, which was dominated by Japan and the solid defense of the Rising Sun Country team, was difficult to be handled by the UAE.

Finally, Japan managed to break the deadlock by breaking the UAE goal in the 78th minute through a kick from Ueda. The ball was taken by midfielder Kouta Watanabe of UAE through clean tackles, which then provided breakthrough passes at Ueda.

Ueda managed to convert the piercing pass with a hard goal, which hit the bar and bounced off the ground first. Japan won 1-0 at the end of the match.

At the time left, the UAE tried to pressure it to equalize. Despite the attacks, UAE still could not score a goal against Japan.

Japan will face South Korea in the final round, which will be held at the Cibinong Bogor Pakansari Stadium on Saturday, to fight for the gold medal. On the same day, UAE will also face Vietnam to fight for a bronze medal, before Japan`s match against South Korea.



Reporting by Aditya Ramadhan
Editing by Otniel Tamindael

Reporter: Antara
Editor: Otniel Tamindael
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