Hayashi Daichi (L) of Japan competes with Pau Torres of Spain during the men's football semifinal between Japan and Spain at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Dai Tianfang)
TOKYO, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid winger Marco Asensio came up from substitution to score a clutch goal in extra time on Tuesday, sending Spain to the Olympic men's football final against defending champions Brazil.
The title favorite has mostly controlled the semifinal against host Japan but was upset by his opponents' staunch defense and counter-attacks, as the match was forced into extra time.
Asensio, substituted in the 84th minute, seized a rare lapse by Japanese defenders in the box in the 115th minute and curved the ball beautifully into his opponents' goal.
Spain is set for a showdown in the final on Saturday with Brazil, who overcame Mexico in the semifinal.
The Brazilian side had more offense in the match between gold medalists of the past two Olympics - Mexico in London 2012 and Brazil in Rio 2016 - and came close to taking the match in their hands in the 81st minute, when forward Richalison's header beat Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa but was denied by the post.
The match entered a penalty shoot-out after a goalless 120 minutes. The first two attempts by the Mexicans could not find the net, while the Brazilians were able the shoot-out 4-1. Enditem
