Japan’s soccer team won their fourth Asian cup in 6 tournaments. It was good quality and fast paced match that showed the best soccer in Asia. Both the team had equal chances of winning the game. Australian sprinted out of the block and continued to play attacking game, with an optimistic long torrid semifinal with South Korea, a match that was decided in penalty shootout. Japanese were desperate to try and finish the match off before it went into extra time.range shot from Harry Kewell. Although the Australian played well in the first half. The Blue samurai regained their momentum and went into the half time at 0-0 Japan’s best early chance came when Honda played Endo through, but he passed the ball instead of shooting, and it was headed to safety. Australian started the second half enthusiastically and created a good opportunity in 48 minute when Luke wilkshire cross hit the cross bar and rebounded out but Cahill was unable to scramble it through for a goal. Japan proved to be dangerous on the rebound when a wonderful cross found Okazaki, but he directed his header centimeters wide. Japan had come through a
The lone goal was scored by substitute tadanari Lee in extra time, a half volley in the 109th minute. He was left unmarked from 10 yard out and beat Australian goal keeper Mark Schwarzer. These was the final for ages, a tense, fascinating fast and frenetic encounter that epitomized not just what is best in Asian game, but in foot ball itself. Sides played with pace and power, guile and craft, determination and flair and it was a great denouement, by far best match of the tournament.
Australia was playing in its first final after switching from soccer’s Oceania region to Asia in 2006.
Japan midfielder Keisuka Honda was voted tournament best player. Qatar was awarded the 2022 world cup last month and the Asian cup was test for them to the show case tournament.
