Japan, Iran hit the goal trail in Ordos

After big wins on Tuesday, the sides will meet in the Continental Tournament semi-finals.

Iran and Japan laid down early markers at the Continental Tournament in Ordos on Tuesday, as they moved into the semi-finals alongside Oman and Vietnam.

The four sides remain in the hunt to win the inaugural competition in Inner Mongolia after wins on the opening day, although it was Japan and Iran who caught the eye – each registering double figures to progress to the final four.

The action got under way with Oman squeezing past Lebanon 2-1, Yahya Al Araimi cancelling out Ahmed Grada’s opener before striking again in extra time to ensure his side a place in the semis.

Japan’s clash with Thailand was a much more one-sided affair however, Marcelo Mendes Silveira’s men moving three goals ahead inside the opening minute through Ozu Moreira, Shotara Haraguchi and Takasuke Goto.

While Thailand showed spirit, Japan proved a cut above – Goto adding two more of his own while Akaguma also registered a hat-trick.

Iran turned in a similarly dominant display, hammering Bahrain 10-1 to set up a clash with the Japanese in the semis.

Mohammad Hoosier Mirshamsi’s men were even on course for a clean sheet until Isa Aldoseri registered Bahrain’s late consolation.

Bahrain will take on Thailand in the battle for fifth while hosts China will meet Lebanon after going down 5-2 to Vietnam.

A brace from Tran Vinh Phong helped Vietnam into the last four, where a clash with Oman awaits.

Tuesday results

Oman 2-1 Lebanon (AET)

Japan 12-4 Thailand

Iran 10-1 Bahrain

China 2-5 Vietnam

Wednesday fixtures

Bahrain v Thailand (Fifth-place play-off)

Iran v Japan (Semi-final)

Vietnam v Oman (Semi-final)

China v Lebanon (Fifth-place play-off)