Defending champions Japan took on the United Arab Emirates in the quarter-finals on Friday. Japan, having won all three matches so far this campaign, were clear favorites against the Gulf side.

The Japanese team boast stars like Kei-suke Honda, who plays for Italian club AC Milan, and they haven't conceded a goal prior to the game.

But the UAE have ambitions of their own, and with just seven minutes on the clock, they take the lead. Ali Mabk-hout's cool finish makes him the first player to score against Japan in this tournament. It's also his fourth goal in the Asian Cup, as the underdogs go ahead 1-0.

Japan are seeking an equalizer, and have their efforts paid off in the closing stages. Substitute Gaku Shiba-saki with a thumping drive from distance, to level the match in 81st minute. It's one-all.

The momentum is now with them, and they almost win it in third minute of the added time. But Shin-ji Kaga-wa's effort turns out wide off the target. No goals follow in extra-time, and it is down to penalties to decide the winner of the contest.

Honda is first to start the proceedings. The Japanese star blasts the ball straight to the stands, a shocking miss for the Milan midfielder.

Hamis Esmail then misses UAE's first penalty kick to give Japan a chance to be back in the contest. But Kagawa smashes his effort against the post. The Dortmund player cannot believe his misfortune.

Ismail Ahmed calmly scores the final penalty as the UAE win the game 6-5 in a shoot-out, and march on to the Semi-Finals of the Asian Cup, for the first time since 1996.

"I feel proud of the team because they gave everything in the 120 minutes of the match. We played better than the opponent in all aspects of the match. At the end we decided the match on penalties, and you have a half chance to win, and rely on the players' decision making. We didn't play with enough care at the start of the game and that's why we conceded a goal. After that, we had to fight to score because of that, until the last minute. The opponent won, but I think we played good football, and had more opportunities to score than they did. At the end we lost by one goal. We have to keep fighting as we showed today," says Javier Aguirre, Japan Coach.

"Of course beating Japan was not easy and they were a very tough team. Winning against Japan will give the players more confidence for the upcoming tournament, and especially against our next match, against Australia. We said before the game to the players -- yes -- we can do it. And they have done it. I thank them again," says Madhi Ali, UAE Coach.

2007 champions win 7-6 after 3-3 draw in 120 minutes

The other quarter-final on Friday saw title-contenders Iran battle against Iraq.

Iran had yet to concede a goal in the tournament going into the game, and take the lead in the 24th minute. Sar-dar Azmoun heads into the corner of the net to make it 1-0 for the Iranians.

Then at 42 minutes, comes the moment of controversy. Referee Benjamin Williams, deeming Meh-dad Poo-ladi has fouled Iraqi keeper Jalal Ha-ssan. William shows him the red card after promptings from the Iraqi players. Iran a goal up, but a man down, at half-time.

Iraq equalize 11 minutes after the interval. Ahmed Ya-seen slots in to make it one-all. No more goals follow and it's on to extra-time.

The drama continues with Iraq now seizing the initiative. Captain You-nus Mah-mood with the diving header from close-range to put the Iraqis ahead at 93 minutes.

But Iran fight back in the 103rd minute. Mor-teza Poura-liganji beats the keeper with a header. It's two-all.

Iraq go ahead again on Dur-ham Ismael's penalty in the 116th, but Iran keep on battling, and tie for the second time in the match. Reza Goo-channe-had scoring with only one minute left in the extra time, to force the game into penalties.

Vahid Amiry of Iran sees his effort come off the post, and hands the initiative to Iraq.

Salam Sha-kir then scores, as Iraq win 7-6 on penalties, after a nail-biting thriller in 120 minutes. Heartbreak for Iran as they are eliminated for the third straight time at the quarter-final stage.

So with the Last Four of the Asian Cup now decided, Iraq will face South Korea in Sydney on Monday. This is a re-match of 2007, when Iraq went on to become champions. The other Semi-Final will feature hosts Australia meeting the UAE on Tuesday.

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