Mexico made history after they stormed back to beat Japan 3-1 and advanced to the final of the men's Olympic soccer tournament for the first time on Tuesday.

Substitute Javier Cortes finished off Japan's hope to equalise when he scored a last-gasp goal on a counter-attack. His team-mate Oribe Peralta put Mexico 2-1 ahead in the 65th minute.

"My goal was beautiful, but the most important thing for me is the team. We showed our character today," said Peralta.

Japan opened scoring in the 12th minute through midfielder Yuki Otsu who lashed a long shot past Mexico's goalkeeper Jose Corona.

Marco Fabian pulled it even for Mexico in the 31st minute as headed in a looping corner-kick which eluded several Japanese players.

"This is an unforgetable moment and we are making history," Fabian said after the win.

"But this is not over yet and we want to go for everything. We want to win the gold now."

Mexico will play in the final against the winner of the other semifinal between South Korea and Brazil.