HANOI — Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi saved two penalties as defending champion Japan beat Australia in a dramatic shootout to advance to the Asian Cup semifinals on Saturday evening, after the game had finished 1-1 after extra time.

News photoJapan midfielder Kengo Nakamura looks for a chance to shoot as Australia goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer gets in position to defend during the second half of the Asian Cup quarterfinal game in Hanoi on Saturday. KYODO PHOTO

Central defender Yuji Nakazawa scored the decisive penalty after Jubilo Iwata 'keeper Kawaguchi saved from Harry Kewell and Lucas Neill to spark wild celebrations among the Japan players and spectators.