Tokyo 2020: Yoshida’s Japan march into the semi-finals

Maya Yoshida and his Japan side have secured their place in the semi-finals of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

After extra time at Kashima Soccer Stadium, Japan beat New Zealand 4-2 on penalties, captained by the Samp centre-back, who played the entire match.

For New Zealand, Liberato Cacace and Clayton Lewis made the two crucial mistakes from the spot, before the unflappable Sampdoria man tucked his effort away and filled Japanese hearts with joy.

The semi-final will be played on Tuesday 3 August when the hosts will face Spain, who beat Ivory Coast 5-2 after extra time in the same stadium.