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The Asian Games men's soccer semifinals feature western Asian countries against eastern.

China's Zhao Honglue (R) competes for the ball with South Korea's Cho Young Cheol during a quarterfinal match of men's soccer event in the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 15, 2010. China lost 0-3. [Li Yong/Xinhua]

Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Iran and South Korea just need one victory from the gold medal game after the semifinal fixtures were finalized on Friday.

Japan was the first team into the semifinals after beating Thailand 1-0 in the afternoon.

Thailand, coached by former Manchester United captain Bryan Robson, controlled most of time but lacked a decisive shot.

A Keigo Higashi strike before halftime was enough for Japan to ensure victory as a disciplined and confident Thailand side was unable to make any of their chances count.

Japan, yet to concede a goal up to now, will meet Iran on Tuesday.

Iran, the four-time Asiad winner, got a chance of winning an unprecedented fifth gold medal after defeating Oman 1-0.

Hamidreza scored the only goal of the game in the 41st minute, sending the Doha Asiad bronze medalist into the semifinals.

A 10-men Uzbekistan delivered a brave fight, but it was a more determined South Korea that sealed the victory after two stunning goals in extra time.

Losing a goal just after two minutes, and losing a teammate for fouls in the 57th minute, Uzbekistan seemed to give up before an offensive-minded opponent.

But Sherzodbek Karimov stunned South Korea with a 71st minute equalizer.

This took the game to extra time when the spirited Koreans struck twice in the first period to settle the game 3-1.

South Korea will meet UAE in four days. UAE outlasted DPR Korea 9-8 on penalties after both sides failed to score in 90 minutes in another quarterfinal.

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