Hard Win Over Japan, Spain Challenge Brazil In Tokyo Olympic Final

Spain national team (twitter @Se_Futbol)

JAKARTA - Spain won 1-0 over host Japan thanks to a goal from substitute Marco Asensio. La Roja will face Brazil in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic men's soccer final.

Today hosts Japan face Spain in the semifinals of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics at Saitama Stadium 2020.

Quoting Antara, in the first half, Spain dominated the match. Spain controlled possession of the ball up to 66 percent, while Japan only 33 percent.

️🏻 CRÓNICA | Un golazo de @marcoasensio10 en la prórroga permite a España pelear por el oro olímpico (0-1) en #Tokyo2020. https://t.co/atjDCBuPxg #AlgoÚnico2020 pic.twitter.com/io7xTYuZqN

— Selección Española de Fútbol (@SeFutbol) August 3, 2021

Even so, Spain were less effective in exploiting their possession advantage and didn't have many chances.

The only chance came from Rafa Mir's shot which was caught by Japanese goalkeeper Kosei Tani. On the other hand, Japan has threatened several times through the actions of Ritsu Doan and Takefusa Kubo.

However, poor finishing from both teams meant the first half ended goalless.

After halftime, Spain still dominated possession.

In the 57th minute, Maya Yoshida tackled Rafa Mir in the penalty box. The referee initially gave a penalty for Spain and gave a yellow card to Yoshida.

However, the referee overturned his decision after reviewing the violation via VAR. The yellow card penalty for Maya Yoshida was also withdrawn.

Spain added attack power by entering Marco Asensio in the 86th minute. Unfortunately, their finishing is still bad.

The 0-0 score lasted until the second half was over, so the match had to go into extra time.

The game was getting slower in the first extra half where both teams failed to create big chances. In the second additional round, it was Japan's turn to appear more attacking. However, one attack from Spain broke the deadlock.

Starting from Mikel Oryarzabal on the right side, he immediately provided feedback to Marco Asensio. The Real Madrid player took off his left foot which could not be reached by the Japanese goalkeeper, Korsei Tani. The 1-0 score lasted until the game was over.

¿Cómo celebrarías tú un golazo histórico en los ltimos minutos de una prórroga?☝️🏻👨🏻‍🦱☝️🏻Nosotros somos muy del "@marcoasensio10 style", para qué os vamos a engañar.📸 (PHOTOS: @Jucoasensio_Oesl) #AlgoÚnico2020 #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/Hbbbaq09bF

— Selección Española de Fútbol (@SeFutbol) August 3, 2021

Spain will fight for the gold medal with Brazil who have already beaten Mexico in the other semifinal, while Japan will face Mexico for the bronze medal.