Japan defeat Australia to claim fourth Asian Cup title

DOHA - Japan Saturday won an unprecedented fourth Asian Cup title after beating Australia 1-0 after extra time in the final played in the Khalifa Stadium.

Substitute Tadanari Lee scored the only goal of the match for Japan.

Although both sides played a cautious game, there were scoring opportunities throughout the match, with Japanese goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima pulling off a number of excellent saves.

Australian substitute Robbie Kruse nearly gave his side the lead in the first half of extra time with a header, but Kawashima did well to palm the ball away.

Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni brought on Lee in the 98th minute for only his second appearance of the tournament, having previously played as a second-half substitute in Japan’s opening 1-1 draw against Jordan.

The Sanfrecce Hiroshima striker scored with a beautiful volley from a Yuto Nagatomo cross in the 119th minute to give his side their second triumph after 1992, 2000 and 2004.