Ashgabat: Japan took a giant step towards retaning their title after Mutsumi Sakata’s double was enough to beat Islamic Republic of Iran in their Ashgabat 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games women's futsal semi-final on Sunday.
The defending champions, who beat hosts Trukmenistan 8-0 in their last group match, went ahead in the seventh minute through Sakata. IR Iran came close to equalising seconds later only for Fereshteh Karimi’s shot to hit the crossbar as Japan were up by one at halftime.
After the break, Sakata scored her third goal in the tournament, in the 25 minute, to give Japan a 2-0 lead.
IR Iran who had more shots on goal with 16, compared to Japan’s eight, could not find a way past their opponents especially goalkeeper Ayaka Yamamoto as Japan held on to victory.
Japan will face either Thailand or China PR in the final, who will play later today.
Semi-Finals
Results
Japan 2-0 IR Iran
Thailand x-x China PR
Sept 25
3rd/4th placing: IR Iran v Thailand/China PR
Final: Japan v Thailand/China PR
Source: ashgabat.com
Source: the-afc.com