Japan booked their place in the AFC Asian Cup final with a penalty-shootout victory over South Korea, following a thrilling 2-2 draw on Tuesday. 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
