Blues forward Daizen Maeda netted the decisive penalty kick as Japan beat Ecuador 5-4 in a shootout to progress to the final of the Kirin Cup.

Maeda came on as a 70th minute substitute as the match ended in a 0-0 draw, then stepped up and converted his side’s fifth spot-kick, Denil Castillo having missed Ecuador’s third attempt. The Town attacker was winning his 32nd full cap.

Japan will now take on New Zealand, who have on-loan Blues keeper Henry Gray in their squad, in the final on Monday in Tokyo.

Photo: Kyodo via Reuters Connect