AFC U20 Asian Cup: Japan pip Iran 4-3 in thrilling penalty shootout to seal SF berth
In a thrilling AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2025 quarter-final, Japan triumphed over the Iran in a dramatic penalty shootout, winning 4-3 after a 1-1, draw at the Shenzhen Youth Football Training Base Centre Stadium
- SHENZHEN — In a thrilling AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2025 quarter-final, Japan
triumphed over the Iran in a dramatic penalty shootout, winning 4-3 after a 1-1
draw at the Shenzhen Youth Football Training Base Centre Stadium on Sunday.
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- The victory not only secured Japan's place in the
semi-finals but also guaranteed their spot in the FIFA U20 World Cup Chile
2025.
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- Iran started the match on the front foot, creating early
pressure on Japan’s defense. In the third minute, Mahan Sadeghi’s effort sailed
wide after a close-range attempt, and Japan’s goalkeeper Rui Araki nearly
fumbled Esmaeil Gholizadeh’s cross. Iran’s persistence paid off in the fifth
minute when Reza Ghandipour seized a rebound inside the box, giving Iran a 1-0
lead.
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- Japan quickly regained their composure and responded in the
12th minute, with Aren Inoue’s quick pass setting up Soma Kanda’s backheel
shot, only to be denied by Iran's keeper Arsha Shakouri. Shakouri had to be at
his best again in the 22nd minute, deflecting Inoue’s strike. But Japan’s
persistence eventually paid off in the 30th minute when Kose Ogura's long-range
shot deflected off Amirmohammad Razzaghini and beat Shakouri to level the score
at 1-1.
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- Japan came close to taking the lead before halftime, with
Inoue’s shot being blocked and Rion Ichihara’s header going over the bar. In
the second half, Japan applied continued pressure, but Shakouri remained in top
form, making crucial saves to keep Iran in the game. Iran had a chance to
regain the lead in the 77th minute, but Razzaghini’s effort went over the bar.
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- The match went into extra-time, where both teams pushed hard
for the winner. Despite Iran's resolute defending and Shakouri’s heroic saves,
neither side could break the deadlock, sending the match to penalties. In the
shootout, Iran missed their first two attempts, and despite Shakouri saving
Japan’s third penalty, Rion Ichihara held his nerve to score the decisive
penalty, sending Japan through to the semi-finals.
