A dramatic last-minute goal from defender Masahiko Inoha saw 10-man Japan twice come from behind to snatch a 3-2 win over hosts Qatar to reach the Asian Cup semifinal on Friday.
Inoha struck in the 90th minute at a nearly full Al Gharafa Stadium to keep alive Japan's bid for a fourth continental title and crush Qatar's dreams of a first ever semifinal appearance.
Sebastian Suria's 12th-minute opener for Qatar was cancelled out by Shinji Kagawa, who drew Japan level again with 20 minutes to go after Fabio Cesar's free-kick crept inside Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima's near post.
Japan defender Maya Yoshida was harshly dismissed after receiving a second yellow card in the incident that led to the free-kick, but with the arena set for extra time, Inoha struck a decisive last-gasp blow.
Japan will play the winners of Saturday's quarterfinal between Iran and South Korea for a place in the final.