The Koreans took the lead with a penalty from Ki Sung-Yueng, but Ryoichi Maeda equalized for Japan before the break as the match went to extra time.

Saudi Arabian referee Khalil Al-Ghamdi awarded Japan a controversial 97th minute penalty, based on the decision of his assistant.

Keisuke Honda’s poor penalty was blocked by Korea keeper Jung Song-Ryong, who couldn’t deny Hajime Hosogai from scoring on the rebound.

In the last minute of extra time, Korea equalized through defender Hwang Jae-Won, who conceded the Japan penalty earlier.

Despite the morale-boosting equalizer, Korea were shambolic in the shootout as they missed all their three penalties to lose 3-0.

Surprisingly, first goal-scorer Ki didn’t step up to shoot, leaving Koo Ja-Cheol, Lee Yong-Rae and Hong Jeong-Ho to miss from the spot.

Honda made attempts by scoring for Japan, along with Shinji Okazaki and match-winner Yasuyuki Konno, while Yuto Nagamoto blasted wide.

Match goals

Penalties