Clareto Monsorate, Dubai

Japan’s Vissel Kobe punched their ticket to the semi-finals of the Asian Champions League with a sudden-death (7-6) penalty shootout win over South Korea’s Suwon Bluewings at the Al Janoub Stadium in Doha, Qatar, on Thursday night.

The transformation in the Vissel Kobe team has come after former Japan midfielder Atsuhiro Miura took charge of the J. League first-division club in September.

Miura, speaking after the match said, “We are happy that we played very well, and the players followed our instructions.”

“This victory is not just for us, but for all the fans back in Japan who sent us their messages of support from Kobe,” said Miura.

The coach was also gracious in congratulating the South Korean team. “I congratulate the Suwon players who really worked hard and gave us a tough time.”

Miura’s side will now meet another South Korean side, Ulsan Hyundai Motors, on Sunday.

The winner of that match will then take on Iran’s Persepolis in the title match on December 19.

After both teams were locked 6-6 in the shootout, Noriaki Fujimoto coolly slotted the ball home to score the winner for Vissel Kobe.

The Japanese club played most of the match without midfielder Andres Iniesta, who was forced to sit out due to a thigh strain. But the former Barcelona captain, who helped Spain win the UEFA Euro 2008 and the 2010 FIFA World Cups, made his presence felt in the penalties after coming on as a substitute in the 113th minute to help see his side through with his third goal for Vissel Kobe at the Asian level.