Japan edged Italy 3-2 in a nail-biting penalty shootout to capture a third straight men's soccer gold medal at the University Games on Saturday after the match had finished 3-3 after extra time.
In women's soccer, Japan beat France 2-0 to win bronze, with Yukari Kinga and Naomi Eguchi scoring a goal each. Kenji Narisako chipped in with a gold in athletics when he cruised to victory in the men's 400 meters hurdles, giving Japan its 18th gold medal and 56th medal overall.
Out of contention for more medals on the final day of competition on Sunday, Japan finished with its biggest gold and total medal count at a University Games held overseas.
In the men's soccer final, Japan squandered a two-goal advantage but Rui Komatsu scored his second header of the match deep into first-half stoppage time to give Japan a 3-2 lead before Mirco Antenucci completed his hat-trick to level for Italy in the 68th minute.
Neither team could make any further inroads in extra time and after substitute Kazuki Hara gave Japan a 3-2 lead in the penalty shootout, goalkeeper Shogo Tokihisa secured the gold by stopping Carmine Cerchia's spot kick.