Spain to go for Olympic Gold as Asensio’s goal downs Japan

Marco Asensio struck in extra time as Spain beat hosts Japan to reach the final of the Olympic Games. 

La Roja will play in the Gold medal match on Saturday against a Brazil side which includes Dani Alves. 

Barcelona duo Eric García and Pedri both started as Spain needed extra time to progress for the second game running.

Rafa Mir was the hero against Ivory Coast in the last round but it was Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio who stepped up here.

The forward, who replaced Pedri in the 82nd minute, fired in the winner in the second half of extra time. 

Luis de la Fuente’s side will go for Gold against Brazil in Japan after the Selecao beat Mexico on penalties.