AL-AIN, United Arab Emirates, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- Four-time champion Japan advanced into the 2019 AFC Asian Cup final after beating Iran 3-0 thanks to a brace from Yuya Osako here on Monday.
The Werder Bremen forward's two second-half goals was enough for Japan to secure a place in the final to meet with either Qatar or the United Arab Emirates on February 1.
Japan had their first clear chance in the 19th minute as Hiroki Sakai chipped a pass to Ritsu Doan who blasted a low shot just past the post. Iran responded three minutes later when Sardar Azmoun made the threat on his own and forced a good save out of Japan keeper Shuichi Gonda.
After Japan's early pressure, it was Iran pushing harder as half-time approached but they struggled to turn the domination into chances.
Yuya Osako, who returned from a thigh injury, opened the scoring for Japan from Iran's defence mistake after 56 minutes. Takumi Minamino fed in a cross for unmarked Yuya Osako to head home inside the box when five Iran players were circling and complaining to the referee.
Japan then had a wonderful save from Shuichi Gonda, who stopped Alireza Jahanbakhsh's free-kick to keep the lead in the 61st minute.
Iran pushed for the equaliser but things got worse on 65 minutes when Morteza Pouraliganji appeared to a handball in the box, and Yuya Osako doubled Japan's lead from the spot after VAR held the referee's decision.
Ritsu Doan went close to a third with 17 minutes remaining but Alireza Beiranvand was up to the task. As Iran could not found a way to pull back, Genki Haraguchi made sure of the victory in stoppage-time, producing a clinical finish to make it 3-0.
