he young Japanese squad had been favored to win but was subdued for much of the match, depending on long passes and counterattacks to create opportunities while the UAE frequently controlled the pace with its short, quick game.

Saneto latched onto a floating cross from the left and rifled a right-foot shot from an acute angle past UAE goalkeeper Ali Khaseif Housani.

Japan won all seven of its games in Guangzhou and conceded just one goal.

South Korea won the bronze medal match earlier 4-3 over Iran earlier Thursday, with substitute Ji Dong-won scoring twice in the final two minutes for the win.