Uzbekistan's U-23 national team faced Japan in the semifinal of the Asian Games. The match ended 1:1 after regular and extra time, and Japan won the penalty shootout 9:8 to advance to the final.

Uzbekistan took the lead as early as the 8th minute when Sardorbek Bahromov scored from a Saidkhon Hamidov assist. In the first half, the Uzbeks dominated possession with 57% and outshot their opponents 6:1. Three of Uzbekistan's shots were on target, while Japan failed to register a single shot on goal before the break. Corner kicks were even at 2:2.

After the break, the initiative shifted entirely to Japan. In the second half, the Japanese controlled 77% of possession, took 11 shots to Uzbekistan's 2, and had 4 shots on target. Both of Uzbekistan's attempts were on goal. Japan also led in corners 4:0.

Uzbekistan could not hold on to their lead. In the 88th minute, Sena Ishibashi equalized after an assist from Kosugi, making it 1:1. The teams could not score in the additional 30 minutes. In extra time, Japan continued to dominate possession and create more chances, but the winner was decided by a penalty shootout.

The teams engaged in a lengthy penalty series, and ultimately Japan prevailed 9:8 to reach the Asian Games final. In the final, Japan will face South Korea. Uzbekistan will play China for the bronze medal.

Source: www.gazeta.uz