Marco Asensio struck in an extra-time winner as Spain ended Japan’s hopes of Olympic gold in men’s football with a 1-0 (aet) victory, setting up a clash with Brazil in Saturday’s final.
Defending champions Brazil also had to struggle to make the final, beating Mexico 4-1 on penalties after the game ended goalless after extra-time.
Spain are looking to repeat their gold medal success from the Barcelona Games in 1992 but will have to beat the Rio winners from five years ago.
“They are a quality side, we know that and we know that if we are going to win the gold medal we are going to have to play the best teams here,” Spain defender Eric Garcia said.
“Playing the final of the Olympics is a dream,” Brazil coach Andre Jardine said.
“The film I also saw tonight was the film of life… Everything we’ve gone through. Although we didn’t win in the 90 minutes, we took more risks,” he added.
