Spain, Brazil to clash for football gold

TOKYO: Marco Asensio struck in an extra-time winner as Spain ended Japan's hopes of Olympic gold in men's football with a 1-0 (aet) victory, setting up a clash with Brazil in Saturday's final. Defending champions Brazil also had to struggle to make the final, beating Mexico 4-1 on penalties after the game ended goalless after extra-time.

Japan had matched Spain throughout the game, playing with creativity and invention going forward and tenacity without the ball and they were five minutes away from taking the match to a penalty shootout. After a cagey first half, Spain thought they had a great chance to go in front when referee Kevin Ortega of Peru pointed to the penalty spot after Mikel Merino went down under challenge from Maya Yoshida. But the video assistant referee ordered Ortega to go to the pitch side monitor and he saw the clear images that Yoshida had made a perfectly fair and well-timed challenge.

Brazil went close to settling the match inside 90 minutes when Richarlison struck the post with a glancing header in the 82nd minute. But when it came to the shootout, they had their keeper Santos to thank for a fine save to keep out Eduardo Aguirre's spot-kick and after Mexico's Johan Vasquez hit the post, Brazil just need to keep their cool. Reiner's right-footed shot into the bottom corner ensured victory for the team captained by 38-year-old former Barcelona full back Dani Alves. Agencies

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