Japan Lost To Spain At Home Ground In Olympics 2021

Japan's bid for a first-ever Olympic soccer gold medal ended in heartbreak at the Tokyo Games on Tuesday as Spain snatched a 1-0 men's semifinal victory late in extra time through substitute Marco Asensio.

The Real Madrid forward curled the winner home from the right of the area in the 115th minute at a steamy Saitama Stadium, finally finding a way past Japanese keeper Kosei Tani, who had been outstanding for the Olympic hosts.

Despite feeling "regretful" about the loss, Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu said his side must turn their attention to Friday's third-place match, when they will aim for a first medal since taking bronze at the 1968 Mexico City Games.

"Unfortunately, we were not able to win, but we will be ready for the next round. We talked about showing resilience in order to win a medal," Moriyasu said.

Spain midfielder Mikel Oyarzabal blazed over the bar in the 31st minute, with the first of two clear chances for the men in white before halftime. Tani did well to prevent them scoring on the second, stopping Rafa Mir one on one after the Wolverhampton Wanderers forward was put through on goal.

Tani continued to stand tall as the final minutes ticked away, stopping Carlos Soler and then Oyarzabal from close range.

Despite Spain looking the more dangerous in extra time, Japan nearly snatched a winner when substitute Daizen Maeda headed over the bar off a cross from Yuta Nakayama.

Following a quick throw-in from the right, Oyarzabal sent a short ball in to Asensio, who turned and curled his shot past a diving Tani.

Winger Yuki Soma said the result showed the gap in quality remaining between Japan and the top-tier soccer nations.