HANOI — Ivica Osim was left to lament a lack of invention among his star players after Japan's bid for a third-straight Asian Cup title ended with a 3-2 semifinal defeat to Saudi Arabia.

A tired Japan twice battled back from a goal deficit Wednesday through central defenders Yuji Nakazawa and Yuki Abe, but an opener from Yasser Al Qahtani and two brilliant second-half goals from Malek Maaz sent the Saudis through to Sunday's final against Iraq.

Osim said the team's fatigue played a factor in the loss.