Japan have advanced to the semifinals of the 2012 Olympics after beating Egypt 3-0. The winners of Group D following Spain's shock collapse, Japan came out strongly, generating several chances off set pieces before going ahead in the 14th minute. A counterattack led to a neat through pass for Kensuke Nagai, and the forward clipped the ball past a helpless Ahmed Elshenawi and rolled it into the empty net for the game's first goal.
Japan Vs. Egypt, 2012 Olympics: Final Score 3-0 As Japan Cruise To Semifinals
Although they worked their way back into the match somewhat, a similar situation in the 41st minute caused Egypt even more problems. Substitute Manubu Saito, on for Nagai following an injury, was played through the back line and was bundled over by Saadeldin Saad as he bore down on goal. It was outside the box, but a clear red card offence anyway, and Egypt were reduced to ten.
A couple of Shuichi Gonda spills were probably Egypt’s best chance of drawing level, but there wasn’t much they could do against a reasonably organised Japanese defence. Their attempts at scoring, however, opened up space for the counterattack, and Japan were able to turn one of those forays up the pitch into a second goal when Maya Yoshida glaced a free kick past Elshenawi to make it 2-0 in the 78th minute.
Yuki Otsu applied the killing blow, rising over the Egypt defence to head home Takahiro Ohgihara's excellent cross, and the game was over. By now, Egypt were down to nine men following an injury to Ahmed Hegazi -- they'd already used all three substitutes -- and Japan were able to cruise to an easy victory. They'll play the winner of Mexico and Senegal in the semifinals, and have every chance of coming away from this tournament with a medal.
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