Hosts Qatar, defending champions Iraq as well as three-time winners Iran and Jordan all fell by the wayside as no team from west Asia reached the last four of the tournament for the first time in the competition’s history.

That leaves Japan and Korea Republic – who have won five titles between them - and first-time semi-finalists Australia and Uzbekistan to battle it out for the two spots in Saturday’s final at the Khalifa Stadium.

Alberto Zaccheroni’s Japan saw off a determined showing from Qatar, with Masahiko Inoha scoring in the final minute of a pulsating quarter-final clash to give the 10 men of the Blue Samurai a 3-2 win and a place in the nation’s fourth AFC Asian Cup semi-final.

Qatar’s campaign was one of highs and lows; from the disappointment of their 2-0 loss against Uzbekistan in their opening game through to the wins over China and Kuwait that took them into the knockout phase for only the second time in the country’s history.

They almost advanced further with goals from Sebastian Soria and Fabio Cesar looking like they would take the Qataris through to the last four before the Japanese roused themselves in astonishing fashion to progress to the semi-finals.

The Japanese have never lost in the semi-finals of the AFC Asian Cup but they have also never played old rivals Korea Republic at this stage of the competition.

The Koreans edged Iran in a physical encounter at Qatar Sports Club thanks to Yoon Bitgaram’s extra-time strike to leave Team Melli’s dreams of a fourth AFC Asian Cup in tatters.

The Iranians have not won the title since 1976 and Afshin Ghotbi and his team were convinced 2011 would finally see that drought come to an end. But the Koreans shaded a fine fixture as they continue their quest for a first AFC Asian Cup in 51 years.

Iran had reached the last eight with the only perfect record in the group stages after wins over Iraq, the United Arab Emirates and DPR Korea, but their run came to an end in a physically draining encounter against Cho Kwang-rae’s impressive young side.

Jordan, meanwhile, fell at the quarter-final stage just as they did in 2004, the only other time they have qualified for the finals of the AFC Asian Cup.

Adnan Hamed’s side put in a determined display against Uzbekistan, but two goals from Ulugbek Bakaev early in the second half were enough to seal Uzbekistan’s progress to the last four for the first time.

The Jordanians, though, will go home with their heads held high after drawing with Japan and defeating Saudi Arabia and Syria in the group stages.

Australia, too, are making their first appearance in the semi-finals at their second AFC Asian Cup finals after Holger Osieck’s team eliminated champions Iraq in dramatic fashion.

Harry Kewell’s header deep into extra-time ended Iraq hopes after a fractured campaign during which Wolfgang Sidka’s side rarely hit the heights shown by the Iraqis four years ago.

A late loss against Iran was followed by a narrow win over the UAE and victory over DPR Korea to take the Iraqis out of Group D.

But despite a spirited performance against the Socceroos that could have easily resulted in a win, Iraq fell once again at the quarter-final stage, just as they did in 1996, 2000 and 2004.