Reported by: Wijdan CRWENewswire Correspondent

Japan defeated Australia in the AFC Asian Cup 2011 final to win the title for the record fourth time in the history.

Saudi Arabia and Iran both were tied at three titles each. Japan, who after this victory, has become the only nation to have won Asian Cup for the fourth time.

Japan emerged as a strong soccer playing nation in 1992, when they became Asian Cup Champions for the first time. The Japanese team could not repeat their performance in the 1996 Asia Cup and was knocked out in the first round. But they came back strongly and won two consecutive Asian Cups in 2000 and 2004. They lost to Iraq in the semifinals in 2007 and managed to win it again in 2011.

Their standard of soccer skill is matched only by South Korea, which was defeated by the Japanese champions in penalty shoot out. South Korea then defeated Uzbekistan by 1 goal and secured a place on a victory stand.

Japanese defender, Tedanari Lee, scored a goal in the 2nd half of the extra time to keep the lead till the end of the game. It was first international goal from Lee, who was left alone in the strike zone and the ball was volleyed across to him from Yuto Nagatomo.

Australia has played in the finals of Asian Football Cup since joining Asian Football Confederation in 2006.

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