The Nadeshiko claimed their second successive continental crown on Friday thanks to Kumi Yokoyama’s goal in a narrow 1-0 win over Australia, a victory in which Yamashita more than played her part thanks a string of superb saves including one from Elise Kellond-Knight’s 14th minute penalty.

With next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup still to come, the 22-year-old feels Japan’s successful campaign will now hand Asako Takakura’s charges a major boost going forward.

A day after her 50th birthday, Takakura gave her whole country a reason to celebrate, becoming the first female coach to lead the Nadeshiko to a major international trophy thanks to substitute Kumi Yokoyama’s sensational late winner.

The former playing great revealed her pride, both at her side’s achievement and the quality of the spectacle.

“We knew since the beginning that the match tonight would be the difficult one, and I believe it was a match worth watching and one of the best matches that Asia can show at this moment,” she said.

“I’m proud to have such a great match against one of the best countries in Asia and in the world – Australia.

“We had very difficult time (tonight). Not for a short time, for a long time. I’d like to congratulate my players from deep in my heart.”

The talented striker scored twice and was an ever-present for the Nadeshiko throughout the tournament, with her display in the final only serving to further underline the 25-year-old’s growing reputation. 

However, despite her glowing reviews and well-deserved personal accolades, Iwabuchi was quick to dedicate the award to those around her.

“We won this AFC Women’s Asian Cup title because we played as a team,” she declared.

“I believe my award is simply a result of just that – the team working together, I would like to say many thanks to them.

“I am just happy that I could play all five matches during this tournament, personally speaking I should now look to develop more as a player going forward and, in the process help the team more.

The win means Asako Takakura’s charges are the first team to win back-to-back Asian titles since DPR Korea in 2003.

The Nadeshiko survived a deluge of Australian shots at goal, including a saved penalty kick in the 15th minute, before substitute Yokoyama’s strike turned the match in their favour with just six minutes remaining.

Seven days after the sides played out a crucial Group B tie to see who would remain in the tournament, they met again at the same venue to decide who would win it, and – in a repeat of the previous meeting – it was Australia who started the stronger.

 

364 – Australia’s Alanna Kennedy attempted 364 passes in five matches, the most of any player, while also contributing two goals and two assists despite playing as a defender.

16 – Wang Shuang led the tournament in chance creation. The China PR playmaker showed her quality, creating 16 chances for her teammates while still finding time to find the back of the net four times herself. 

0 -  Despite being eliminated in the group stage, Korea Republic were the only side not to concede a single goal in the tournament. Such was their defensive strength that goalkeeper Yoon Young-guel was only required to make seven saves in their four matches.

2 – China PR and host nation Jordan were the only two sides to score in every match they played in the tournament. China PR finished a creditable third, while Jordan unfortunately lost all three of their Group A matches.

The 25-year-old Shandong Women’s FC forward impressively found the net in all five of China’s games at the tournament, scoring twice in the group stage encounters with Thailand and host nation Jordan. 

Li was also on target during Friday’s 3-1 win over the Thais which helped the Steel Roses secure third place.

“As a striker, it is my responsibility to score, and I am delighted to have been able to help the team, but it is a team effort and my teammates have helped me throughout,” she explained.

“There are no secrets behind what I have done as it is my job to score goals. I believe I have worked extremely hard in training and I think that has paid off during this tournament.

“Having scored seven goals, a total which includes two penalties, will certainly give me added confidence going forward, but I believe I still have work to in order to improve.”

Li’s teammates Song Duan and Wang Shuang, along with title winner Kumi Yokoyama from Japan and Thailand’s Kanjana Sung-Ngoen, finished tied for second with four goals apiece, while three players – Korea Republic duo Lee Min-a and Cho So-hyun, as well as Australia’s Sam Kerr – were third on three goals.

Goals from the prolific Li Ying, Wang Shanshan and Song Duan helped seal the comprehensive victory, one which will undoubtedly offer Siggi Eyjolfsson’s charges a degree of recompense following their failure to reach the final.

For Thailand, meanwhile, the defeat brought an end to the Southeast Asians’ impressive continental outing as they bowed out of the tournament with their heads held high and reputation unquestionably enhanced.

China had never lost to Thailand in 13 previous meetings, and it was the East Asians who looked the brighter of the two teams early on with a fierce Gu Yasha drive forcing goalkeeper Waraporn Boonsing into a smart save.

Thailand responded through a dipping Nipawan Panyosuk shot which custodian Peng Shimeng did well to tip over, before Song came close to giving China the lead courtesy of a superb volley that flashed narrowly wide of Waraporn’s left-hand post on 15 minutes.

With China continuing to press, influential midfielder Wang Shuang saw her 36th minute strike from 12 yards comfortably gathered by Waraporn and, in the final genuine chance of the half, tournament leading scorer Li Ying’s scuffed effort from close-range was once again held by the impressive Waraporn.