The Nadeshiko of Japan have won the Women’s Asian Cup with a 1-0 win over Australia in the final played in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It is the first continental title for Japan, who had already qualified to defend their Women’s World Cup title.

Azusa IWASHIMIZU headed in the only goal of the match in the 27th minute on a short corner. The Matildas, defending Asian champions, fought back fiercely throughout the remainder of the match; they believed they had their equaliser midway through the second half, but Samantha KERR’s goal was ruled offside.

China PR took third place in the tournament with a 2-1 win over Korea Rep. All four teams, plus fifth place winner Thailand, qualify for the 2015 Women’s World Cup to be held in Canada.