The Matildas have been dethroned as Asian champions after losing  1-0 to World Champions Japan AFC Women’s Asian Cup final on Sunday night in Vietnam.

In the end it came down to one loss of concentration at a corner in the 28th minute with Nadeshiko defender Azusa Iwashimizu making the most of it to turn home the winning goal and give Japan their first Asian Cup trophy.

As they did in the group match against Japan, the defending champions commenced the match well and took the initiative early.

Forward Sam Kerr, with her second start of the tournament, went close to giving Australia the dream start as she latched onto a well place through ball from Lisa De Vanna.

Unfortunately for Australia, Kerr sliced the ball over the crossbar to let Japan off the hook.

Minutes later, the Sydney FC forward was in again but unable to connect while Michelle Heyman guided a header into the arms of Japan goalkeeper Fukumoto as chances flew thick and fast for Australia.

In a replay of their first encounter, the World Champions slowly worked their way into the match and with their first real opening Iwashimizu made Australia pay as she nudged a curling far post cross past Lydia Williams.

With the lead, Japan began to find their stride lead by captain Aya Miyama and former captain Homare Sawa.

Heyman and De Vanna combined on several occasions but were unable to break Australia level before the break.

The second half saw coach Alen Stajcic make defensive changes and insert the attacking players with great effect.

Kerr combined again with Heyman but her effort from outside the box went into the arms of the keeper. It was then Australia's turn for a period of domination but Heyman was unable to finish three good chances.

Japan could and should have gone two up when Sugasawa hit the bar inside the box yet just seconds later Katrina Gorry with her first real involvement set up Kerr with a perfect cross into the box but the volleyed goal was deemed offside.

Kerr pushed on for an equalizer it seemed Australia had found one before the offside flag raised to dash hopes late.

In the end Japan held on to claim a continental championship to go with their world title.

Match Details

Japan 1 (Iwashimizu 28-)

Westfield Matildas 0

Referee: Qin Liang (China)

Crowd: 10,000 @ Thong Nhat Stadium, Ho Chi Minh

Japan starting line-up: 1.Miho FUKUMOTO (gk), 2.Saori ARIYOSHI, 3.Azusa IWASHIMIZU, 6.Mizuho SAKAGUCHI, 8.Aya MIYAMA, 9.Nahomi KAWASUMI, 10.Homare SAWA (15.Yuika SUGASAWA 65-), 12.Emi NAKAJIMA (25.Michi GOTO 75-), 13.Megumi TAKASE (11.Chinatsu KIRA 83-), 19.Rumi UTSUGI, 20.Yuri KAWAMURA Substitutes not used: 4.Yuria OBARA, 5.Megumi KAMIONOBE, 7.Karina MARUYAMA, 14.Nanase KIRYU, 16.Hikaru NAOMOTO, 18.Ayumi KAIHORI (gk), 21.Erina YAMANE (gk), 22.Ruka NORIMATSU, 23.Shiho KOHATA Yellow cards: Nil Red cards: Nil

Westfield Matildas starting line-up: 18.Lydia WILLIAMS (gk), 2.Teigen ALLEN, 4.Clare POLKINGHORNE (c), 8.Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 10.Emily VAN EGMOND (13.Tameka BUTT 60-), 11.Lisa DE VANNA, 14.Alanna KENNEDY (5.Laura ALLEWAY 46-), 16.Stephanie CATLEY, 19.Katrina GORRY, 20.Samantha KERR, 23.Michelle HEYMAN (9.Caitlin FOORD 67-) Substitutes not used: 1.Brianna DAVEY (gk), 3.Kim CARROLL, 6.Leena KHAMIS, 7.Hayley RASO, 12.Kate GILL, 15.Nicola BOLGER, 17.Teresa POLIAS, 21.Casey DUMONT (gk), 22.Ashleigh SYKES Yellow cards: Nil Red cards: Nil