Asian Cup Final - How Twitter reacted

Australia came into the game with a point to prove after their scare against Thailand in the semifinal.

They started the game in a lively fashion and were given the golden opportunity as Japan's Saki Kumagai was called up for a handball in the box. 

However, it wasn't a forward who stepped up to the spot but Elise Kellond-Knight and goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita made the save.

Australia continued to pressure the Japanese defence but to no avail.

It was Japan who scored with a strike from Kumi Yokoyama and sealed back-to-back Asian Cups, the first since North Korea did it in 2001 and 2003.

How did Twitter react as Japan lifted the trophy for the second time?

Missed penalty

Why was a player who has only scored once in 94 matches for the Matildas chosen to take a penalty for them in the final of a tournament? Does not make sense. #JPNvAUS #WAC2018

— Athas Zafiris (@ArtSapphire) April 20, 2018

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STEPH SHOULD BE ON PENS HERS WAS STRONGEST AGAINST THAILAND #JPNVAUS

— Marissa Lordanic 🤷‍♀️ (@marissalordanic) April 20, 2018

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Kk missing the penalty was not the do or die for this game. We had chances we just could not utilise #JPNvAUS

— sophie (@auswnt) April 20, 2018

​When Twitter broke

Twitter going down was like watching the game with friends at a pub and said friends suddenly vanishing into thin air only to reappear 20 mins later

— Marissa Lordanic 🤷‍♀️ (@marissalordanic) April 20, 2018

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cruel and unusual punishment

“Twitter being down during the Asian Cup final for $20 please Alex”

— Ann Odong 🐨 (@AnnOdong) April 20, 2018

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If there's a football match but you can't tweet about it, did it really happen? Get it together @TwitterSupport 😭😭😭 #JPNvAUS #WAC2018

— Danielle Warby (@DanielleWarby) April 20, 2018

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Yamashita goalkeeping

Yamashita holy moly she is too too too good #JPNvAUS

— Chloe Lau (@chloelaulaulau) April 20, 2018

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That’s excellent keeping from Yamashita. Took advantage of the heavy touch to take Kerr further wide.

— Ann Odong 🐨 (@AnnOdong) April 20, 2018

13' WHAT A SAVE! Yamashita makes two stunning stops to deny Kerr and De Vanna. Brilliant from @TheMatildas in attack. #GoMatildas #JPNvAUS #WAC2018

— Westfield Matildas (@TheMatildas) April 20, 2018

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Absolutely not the result I wanted, but that match was worthy of a trophy play-off. Player of the match surely has to be Japan’s goalie Yamashita. #GoMatildas #JPNvAUS #WAC2018 #WAC2018Final

— trmash (@trmash) April 20, 2018

​Having Polkinghorne back

I'm so nervous I can barely tweet except to say that having Polkinghorne back is like a sweet cuppa tea and slice of salty buttery vegemite toast when you're hung over: looks simple but does the job perfectly. #JPNvAUS

— Sam 🍂 (@battledinosaur) April 20, 2018

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Clare Polkinghorne’s resurgence continues to be delightful. Been so good and so calm in that right centre back position. #JPNvAUS #WAC2018

— Ann Odong 🐨 (@AnnOdong) April 20, 2018

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Claire Polkinghorne. Beast mode.all the time. #JPNvAUS

— James McGrath (@james_r_mcgrath) April 20, 2018

​Yokoyama goal

Tadanari Lee, Kumi Yokoyama. Late Japan winners causing Australian heartbreak since 2011. #JPNvAUS

— Ben Williams (@BenitoWill) April 20, 2018

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shades of Tanadari Lee about that Kumi Yokoyama goal. defensive mistake punished by an absolute banger to win it. #JPNvAUS #WAC2018

— Dale Roots (@dale_roots) April 20, 2018

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The outcome

Can honestly say that, for the first time in years if Australia plays their best and Japan plays their best, Australia win. Question is if Australia can play their best and if Japan allows them too.

Australia, has to, has to, take advantage of their chances. #JPNvAUS #WAC2018

— Ann Odong 🐨 (@AnnOdong) April 20, 2018

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With the exception of the score line-- the Matildas had the better match. That's just the heartbreak of footy sometimes. 😞#GoMatildas #WAC2018 #JPNvAUS

— Rachel (@RachTalksSoccer) April 20, 2018

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Possession doesn't equal goals unfortunately. Some soul searching to be done following this tournament. @TheMatildas are true World Cup contenders. But knowing you are capable and actually showing it are two different beasts #JPNvAUS #WAC2018

— Vanessa Gray (@Vanessa_Gray_8) April 20, 2018

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Thank you @CaitlinFoord for saying the team needs to focus on penalties. Terrific commentary again from all on @FOXFootballLive #JPNvAUS 1-0

— Sarah Groube (@groubes) April 20, 2018

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I'd add team selections and choice of substitutes. 🙆 Reckon several players might be spewing 🤔 #Matildas #WAC2018 https://t.co/TfwDVoKz73

— Heather Reid AM (@Reidyfour) April 20, 2018

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Congrats Japan, know how to win the big games 😕Our Girls did us proud, still a lot to grow in our game including quality of chances and adding quicker forward play, teams are getting too comfortable defending us, must keep everyone guessing ! https://t.co/70gnzVzAbd

— Joey Peters (@joeypeters10) April 20, 2018

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