Japan survived another red card to reach the Asian Cup semifinals on Friday night as pinch-hitting right-back Masahiko Inoha capped a sensational 3-2 victory over host Qatar with a last-gasp winner.
In one of the most inspirational wins in modern national team history, Shinji Kagawa scored the first two goals for Alberto Zaccheroni's side — his first two goals of the tournament — before setting the table for Inoha in the 89th minute.
Inoha, a natural central defender deputizing for the suspended Atsuto Uchida in his first start for Japan, swept home a loose ball for his maiden international goal, after Kagawa pried open the Qatari defense on the counter.
Japan, which also beat Syria 2-1 with 10 men during the first round, will play either Iran or South Korea in the semifinals on Tuesday.