Asian Cup final AS IT HAPPENED: Heartbreak for Matildas as brilliant Japan goal decides final

That wraps up our live coverage of the Asian Cup final.

Matildas fans can be very proud of their team, who just couldn't provide the finishing polish to an almighty all-around performance.

Alanna Kennedy has been named player of the tournament.

A whopping 355,528 fans attended matches across Perth, the Gold Coast and Sydney - making the 2026 tournament the most attended Women's Asian Cup in history.

Thanks for joining us and stay tuned to Wide World of Sports for all the fallout.

Maika Hamano's first-half strike propelled Japan to the Women's Asian Cup title with a 1-0 win over Australia at Sydney's Stadium Australia.

The 21-year-old Hamano, on loan at Tottenham from Chelsea, took a pass from the left with her back to goal, turned and launched a powerful strike from outside the area in the 17th minute.

The Australians applied all the pressure in the last 10 minutes pressing for an equaliser but were continually denied by Japan's defence, including Alanna Kennedy's close-range header with two minutes left in regulation.

Japan had beaten Australia in finals to win back-to-back Women's Asian Cups in 2014 and 2018 and has now won the title three times in the last four continental championships.

The top-ranked team in Asia conceded just one goal in six games in Australia.

The Matildas haven't won the continental championship since 2010, when Sam Kerr - then 16 - scored in the decider. Six teams from the Asian Cup have qualified for next year's Women's World Cup in Brazil.

The 12-team tournament gained global attention due to the involvement of an Iranian squad affected by the Middle East war.

The Iranian team arrived in Australia before the attacks by the United States and Israel triggered the Iran war, and their participation held the international focus.

Seven members of the Iran delegation initially were granted asylum by the Australian government, but all but two have since returned home.

Former Matildas star Amy Harrison has lauded the quality of that rearguard action from Japan.

"Attack wins you games, but defence wins you titles and trophies," Harrison said on ABC radio.

"Japan was probably not the best with the ball tonight, but the way they defended and put their bodies on the line and blocked everything was inspiring."

A wonder goal from Japan's Maiko Hamano has proved the decisive difference in the Asian Cup final as heartbreak continues for this golden generation of Matildas players.

The Matildas weren't without their chances at Stadium Australia in the 1-0 result with Caitlin Foord unable to execute multiple opportunites, particularly in the first half.

Late in the 89th minute, Alanna Kennedy had the chance of the night with a header in the six-yard box but it was expertly saved by keeper Ayaka Yamashita.

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So, Japan have continued their Asian Cup domination over Australia.

They have now beaten the Matildas in three finals.

Japan have won the Asian Cup as they deny a wholehearted Matildas side.

Maika Hamano's brilliant goal proved the difference in a terrific final as Japan prevail 1-0 at Stadium Australia.

The Matildas will rue some missed chances, in particular striker Caitlin Foord who had three good looks at goal.

Japan's defence was nothing short of heroic.

There will be four minutes of added time for the Matildas.

Japan goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita has just protected her clean sheet again by denying a header from Alanna Kennedy.

This is hectic.

"Unbelievable tension here at Homebush," Andy Harper said.

Japan deny the Matildas onslaught yet again!

It is heroic defence as a fierce Emily van Egmond shot is blocked before a Kaitlyn Torpey effort is cleaned up by Japan goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita.

There was a VAR check for a potential handball but no penalty is given.

Boos ring out at Stadium Australia.

There are 87 minutes in the books and Japan are now playing with a five-man defence.

Mary Fowler has had an excellent game and she now departs the arena as Matildas coach Joe Montemurro decides to replace her with veteran Emily van Egmond.

"That's a really big call," Andy Harper said.

Clare Wheeler is also on for Kyra Cooney-Cross.

Time is running out for Australia as Japan cling on to that precious 1-0 lead after 85 minutes.

Japan's hero is done for the night as goalscorer Maika Hamano gets an early mark from her entertaining manager Nils Nielsen.

Remina Chiba takes her place as Japan cling to that 1-0 lead with 78m minutes played.

The Matildas are throwing everything at this, you just have to admire their heart.

The players are now grabbing a drink as Hikaru Kitagawa receives some medical attention.

"The Matildas are pushing Japan to their absolute limit," Grace Gill said.

"They're holding up. What a superb team they are," Andy Harper adds.