YOKOHAMA -- Japan fought a tremendous rearguard battle in a steady downpour with only 10 men Thursday night to overcome a resilient Australia team 1-0 and reach the final of the Confederations Cup at Yokohama International Stadium.
Life was made tough for the home side after striker Takayuki Suzuki was sent off after just 10 minutes of the second half. By that time Japan was 1-0 up thanks to a Hidetoshi Nakata free kick three minutes before halftime.
"It was a tough game after losing one of our teammates in the second half, but this victory was very important for us and I'm overjoyed that we won it," Japan captain Nakata said afterward, adding, "We've come this far, now we want to win this title."