HANOI, July 22 - Japan coach Ivica Osim put his health first by refusing to watching his side's penalty shootout victory over Australia in the Asian Cup quarter-finals.

The Bosnian quickly disappeared down the tunnel after the whistle blew on extra time on Saturday and was only informed of Japan's win by his interpreter.

"When he told me we'd won I was jumping up and down and almost hit my head on the dressing room ceiling," the 66-year-old told reporters.

"I don't like penalties. They're bad for my heart.

"I don't want to die in Japan. When I die I want it to be at home in Sarajevo."

Japan's 4-3 shootout win over the Socceroos came after an absorbing game many had expected would be the final had finished 1-1 in Hanoi.

A superstitious Osim instructed his players in which order they would be taking their penalties and then promptly left the bench for the solitude of the locker room.

"I didn't want to jinx the players by staying out there watching the penalties," Osim said.

Japan goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi kept out Australia's first two kicks in the shootout to put Osim's side on course for victory.

"I had a dream before the game about saving a penalty," he smiled. "I couldn't believe it actually came true."

A relieved Osim said: "I survived it somehow. I think the players did a fantastic job. They were tired but they kept going until the end."

Having branded his players "amateurs" earlier in the tournament, Osim refused to blame them for failing to break down Australia after Vince Grella was dismissed in the 76th minute.

"It's harder sometimes to play against 10 men," he said.

"Often it gives you extra motivation when you have a player sent off. They had a solid defence and (Mark) Schwarzer in goal."

However, Osim could not resist a dig at Australia's attack.

"They still had players like (Harry) Kewell on the pitch after the red card. If they had had a Thierry Henry out there perhaps they would have killed us."