Tanaka helps Japan set up final showdown with New Zealand

Ao Tanaka played 79 minutes as Japan booked their place in the Kirin Cup final with a penalty shootout victory over Ecuador.

The Leeds United midfielder started at the Nissan Stadium in Yokohama, with Japan making a number of changes from their previous international fixture.

Tanaka was involved in a competitive contest, with both sides creating opportunities but unable to find a breakthrough during the 90 minutes.

The 28-year-old was replaced by Daizen Maeda in the 79th minute as Japan made a late push for a winning goal.

With the scores still level, the semi-final went straight to penalties.

The result sees Japan progress to the Kirin Cup final, where they will face New Zealand at Tokyo’s National Stadium on Monday, 5 October.

New Zealand also required a shootout to reach the final, defeating Panama 5-3 after a 1-1 draw.

For Tanaka, the appearance was his third of the current international window, having also featured as a substitute in Japan’s victories over Uruguay and Venezuela.

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