Yokohama’s Nissan Stadium sent Ecuador towards the Copa Kirin third-place match after Japan prevailed 5-4 on penalties following a goalless semi-final on Thursday. Marcelo Gallardo’s side will now meet Panama, while the hosts advance to face New Zealand in Monday’s final.
The defeat extends Gallardo’s wait for his first victory as Ecuador coach. La Tri had arrived in Japan looking to respond to their recent 3-0 loss against South Korea and to finally end a run without a win over Japan stretching back to 1996.
Ecuador began with control of the ball and an energetic tempo, but Japan gradually made the greater impact in front of goal. Yuito Suzuki came close in the 24th minute after a sharp three-pass move, his attempt travelling wide.
Japan created the clearest opening ten minutes later. Hernán Galíndez preserved the deadlock with an outstanding save, diving to reach the effort with one hand and keep Ecuador level.
The South Americans found space down the left shortly before half-time through Keny Arroyo and Nilson Angulo. Angulo’s dangerous delivery flashed across the six-yard area, but no Ecuador player arrived to apply the finish.
Penalty shoot-out decides Yokohama semi-final
Neither team could break through after the interval, despite both benches making attacking changes, and the match went directly to penalties after 90 minutes.
Jordy Caicedo put Ecuador ahead with the opening kick of the shoot-out. The crucial moment came when Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki stopped Byron Castillo’s attempt, allowing the home side to maintain a flawless record from the spot.
Daizen Maeda converted Japan’s deciding penalty to complete the 5-4 victory and send the Samurai Blue into the final.
New Zealand had already secured their place in Monday’s showpiece by beating Panama on penalties earlier on Thursday. Ecuador and Panama will instead contest the match for third place.
