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Japan sends Socceroos home, Iraq prevails |
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11:36, July 22, 2007 |
Defending champions Japan kicked Australia out after a 5-4 win (regular time 1-1) in a penalty shootout while Iraq won 2-0 over Vietnam in the Asian Cup quarter-final matches on Saturday.
Japanese goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi made his dream true after making two crucial saves in the shootout to deny Harry Kewell and Lucas Neill's first two kicks.
Alaves hitman John Aloisi ghosted in the far post before poking in substitute Harry Kewell's low corner unerringly on 69 minutes.
Frankfort striker Naohiro Takahara levelled for Japan minutes later as he rounded his marker inside the box with a quick cut and drilled into the net with a left-foot strike.
The Socceroos had to struggle with 10 men in the 75th minute when holding midfielder Vincenzo Grella was sent off directly by the referee with a purposely blow on Takahara's head.
In another quarter-final match in Bangkok, Younis Mahmoud became Iraq's hero as he scored twice to help Iraq win over Vietnam 2-0.
Younis headed the ball home via a free kick only two minutes into the game, giving Iraq an early lead.
Iraq controlled the game throughout match, and Younis doubled the lead in the 66th minute, sealing victory for Iraq.
Source: Xinhua
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