Hanoi: Saudi Arabia reached the final of the Asian Cup for the sixth time in seven tournaments by beating Japan 3-2 on Wednesday.
The Saudis relied on their thrusting, rapier counter-attacks to mug the Japanese who dominated the ball without often threatening to turn possession into goals.
Livewire forward Malek Maaz netted a brace with strike partner Yasser Al Qah'tani also scoring to set up a final against Iraq.