While the Denmark keeper appeared all at sea, his opposite number Eiji Kawashima looked confident and commanding, diving at the feet of Tomasson to smother the striker's effort and pushing aside Jakob Poulsen's long-range shot.

BBC: Denmark 1-3 Japan

Loitering just outside the penalty area, the Inter Milan star lashed a powerful right-foot shot towards goal that keeper Eiji Kawashima could only deflect into the net when he was well placed to make an effective save.

BBC: Netherlands 1-0 Japan

Roque Santa Cruz, deployed on the right by Martino, ought to have tested Japan keeper Eiji Kawashima after a corner dropped invitingly but the striker missed from close to the penalty spot as a largely soporific half ended goalless.

BBC: Paraguay 0-0 Japan (5-3 pens)

South Korea's joy was short lived though, as they missed all three of their penalties -- Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima making two fine saves -- which left Yasuyuki Konno to convert the winning penalty and spark wild scenes of celebration.

CNN: Japan to face Australia in Asian Cup final