The competition that lasted for 15 days came to an end, when Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women's National Team) squared off with Australia Women’s National Team at the tournament final. The two teams has faced each other in the third match of the group stage, where the match ended in a draw. Their second encounter of the tournament turned out to be another epic match.

Japan came out with the same line-ups from their previous encounter with the Australian side. The match saw Australia take the initiative early on, while Japan held them off with their tenacious defence, allowing very little space to exploit.

However, the match brought an early twist to its plot. In the 14th minute, Japan’s goalkeeper YAMASHITA Ayaka fumbled the ball allowing the Australian side to take a shot from close range. The shot was deflected off Japanese defender KUMAGAI Saki’s hand, giving Australia a penalty kick. In this crucial moment, Yamashita stepped up big time and made a brilliant save. The Japanese goalkeeper later reflected, “I kept my eyes on where the spot taker was looking when she placed the ball.”.....

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