To the delight of the thousands blue clad Japan supporters at My Dinh Stadium – Hanoi, Japan progressed to the semifinal after defeating Australia on penalty shootout. Japan relished the memory of 2006 World Cup where the country was beaten 1 – 3 by Australia. Japan finally had its revenge on this vicious 120 minutes match at My Dinh Stadium – Hanoi.

Despite the intense and the prestige of this match, not many people turned up at My Dinh Stadium save for few thousands Japanese supporters and Australian supporters in lesser number. The match started with both teams played their cards cautiously. Japan maintained the ball possession throughout the early minutes but did not seem to bother hammering Australia’s end. The blue clad players passed the ball to each other but failed to find gaping holes in Australia’s defense. In the 8^th minutes Seichiro Maki headed a ball intercepting a cross but he headed it wide to the delight of Mark Schwarzer, Australia goalkeeper. Mark Viduka who became Japan’s nightmare in the world cup had Australia first attempt. But the Newcastle’s striker attempt was thwarted safely by the Japanese.

There was little action for the rest of the first half and the score remained goalless when both teams headed to the changing room. Japan kicked off the second half in buoyant fashion where the team had a chance through the breakthrough of Shunsuke Nakamura. The Celtic’s midfielder maneuvered his way to the edge of Australia’s penalty box and released a drive which forced Mark Schwarzer to perform a spectacular save. That effort was the best chance happened in the second half and little action continued to linger the pitch.

This match turned out to be similar with the 2006 World Cup match between Japan and Australia. Both teams were held draw until Australia took the lead and started to defeat Japan. In the 70^th minutes, Harry Kewell flew a corner which was met by the head of John Aloisi to the far post. The goal gained Australia the lead and it seemed that this match was an emulation of the 2006 World Cup match. Japan refused to give up and pulled level following Mark Milligan’s faulty clearance. Naohiro Takahara took the advantage and put the ball in the net from short range.

Japan failed to capitalize on the dismissal of Vince Grella. Grella was accused to elbow Takahara on a heading battle. Japan’s coach, Ivica Osim, made several decisions, which failed Japan to take full advantage of Australia 10 men side. He did not make any change in the line up save from changing defender for another defender and other changes during the additional time. Japan’s lack of creativity failed the team to end the match within 90 minutes. The match had to be sorted through penalty shootout. Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi was the hero as he saved two penalties from Australia. Japan v Australia ended 4-3 on penalties.

1.      Harry Kewell’s shot was saved while Nakamura succeeded. 0 - 1

2.      Lucas Neill’s shot was saved – Endo shot succeeded. 0 – 2

3.      Tim Cahill succeeded – Komano succeeded. 1 – 3

4.      Carle’s succeeded – Takahara failed. 2 – 3

5.      Carney succeeded – Nakazawa succeeded 3 - 4