HANOI:

Defending champion Japan edged Australia on penalties on Saturday to advance to the Asian Cup semi-finals. Australia took a 1-0 lead on John Aloisi’s goal from Harry Kewell’s corner in the 69th minute. Japan equalised immediately through Naohiro Takahara in the 72nd and dominated the scoring chances after Australia went a man down in the 75th minute when Vince Grella was red-carded for elbowing a rival in an aerial challenge. The Australians hung on for 45 minutes with the score locked at 1-1 to force the shootout, but fell behind from the start when Kewell missed the opening kick. Japan won the shootout 4-3.