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Saudi Arabia scored a goal in the first period after losing 1-0 to Japan in Sharjah and the Asian Cup since the round of 16 on Monday.
Defender Takihiro Tomiasso scored the only goal with a header to allow Japan, four-time winner, to qualify for the quarterfinals against Vietnam in Dubai on Thursday.
Saudi Arabia had the lion's share of the takeover, but failed to make the most of the strong defense of Japan led by Southampton South Korean defender Maya Yoshida.
Japan relied on counter-attacks that posed a danger to Saudi Arabia's defense as their players tried to draw, but could not increase the score even if they continued to surpass the Saudi team in their Asian Cup match, winning their fifth game in continental competition.
This is the first time that Saudi Arabia, champion of Asia on three occasions, does not reach the final after the group stage. The Saudi team came out of the first round in 2011 and 2015 after reaching the final in 2007.
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