Shenzhen: Rion Ichihara scored the winning penalty as Japan defeated Islamic Republic of Iran 4-3 on penalties after their AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 quarter-final ended 1-1 at the Shenzhen Youth Football Training Base Centre Stadium on Sunday.

Japan will face Australia in the semi-finals with the win also confirming them a place in the FIFA U20 World Cup Chile 2025.

Iran went on the offensive from the first blow of the whistle with Japan keeper Rui Araki almost spilling Esmaeil Gholizadeh’s cross from the right following pressure from Mahan Sadeghi, before Sadeghi pulled his effort wide in the third minute from just above the box. .....

AET | 🇮🇷 IR Iran 1️⃣-1️⃣ Japan 🇯🇵 (3-4 on pens)

A dramatic finale to this quarter-final matchup as Japan keep their nerve to win on penalties!#AFCU20 | #IRNvJPN pic.twitter.com/ghhF0taAXa

— #AsianQualifiers (@afcasiancup) February 23, 2025

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