AMMAN -- Substitute forward Kumi Yokoyama rifled home a late goal as Nadeshiko Japan defended its AFC Women's Asian Cup title with a 1-0 win over Australia in the tournament final in Amman on Friday.
Japan's tenacious defense kept Australia scoreless throughout the game. Nadeshiko were helped by goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita, who saved a penalty in the first half.
Yokoyama scored the winning goal from just inside the area in the 84th minute.
Forward Mana Iwabuchi was chosen as the MVP of the tournament.
Yamashita was determined to hold Australia scoreless after committing a mistake that allowed an equalizer toward the end of the group-stage match against the Aussies on April 13. That game ended 1-1.
"Holding them to zero was more like paying them back double than recovering my honor," Yamashita said.
After a foul by defender Saki Kumagai gave the Aussies a penalty, Yamashita reacted calmly under pressure to make the save -- just one of a number of Aussie shots she turned away during the match.
Nadeshiko stayed focused throughout the game. "We endured and endured [Australia's offense], and waited for [Yokoyama's] goal," team captain Kumagai said.
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