Brazil, Spain, Japan, Mexico through to semis
Hosts Japan displayed nerves of steel as they edged out New Zealand 4-2 in a penalty shootout to reach the men's Olympic soccer semi-finals on Saturday, while Spain survived a scare in an extra-time win over Ivory Coast.
Defending champions Brazil never hit top gear but did enough to beat Egypt 1-0, thanks to a first-half strike from youngster Matheus Cunha.
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Up next for Brazil are 2012 gold medallists Mexico, who put on an attacking masterclass in a 6-3 rout of South Korea in Yokohama.
Japan are the only team to maintain a perfect record in the group stage and are now just one win away from securing a first medal in men's soccer since claiming bronze at the 1968 Games.
They will next face Spain, who ended their 21-year wait to reach the final four with a 5-2 win over Ivory Coast.
Spain, the last European side to win a men's soccer gold in 1992, survived a scare against Ivory Coast after Rafa Mir came off the bench to fire a stunning hat-trick in the closing stages at Miyagi Stadium.
Victory ensured Spain's first appearance in the semi-finals since claiming silver at the 2000 Sydney Games.
Source: www.thedailystar.net
