Although the Matildas attackers smelt blood, they couldn't finish any of their numerous chances compounded by a missed penalty by Elise Kellond-Knight. 

AUSTRALIA

Lydia Williams - 6

Denied Hasegawa with a terrific save as she burst through The Matildas lines. in the first half. Her distribution was of a higher class as The Matildas built up their attacks from their third but could do nothing to stop Yokoyama’s scorching winner.

Ellie Carpenter - 5

In the wars early as she had plenty of encouraging forays forward while The Matildas dominated the beginning of the match. Caught out of position at times during the first half allowing Japan to threaten inside the right side of the box. Should have put more pressure on the high bouncing goal kick which led to Japan’s winner.

Alanna Kennedy - 6

A better performance as opposed to the semi-final as she dealt with direct play much easier as well as judging the flight and bounce of the ball on the hard surface easier. Completely sold by Yokoyama as she stepped inside Kennedy and slammed home the goal.

Clare Polkinghorne - 6.5

With her return to the team some more structure and organisation was the benefit of Polkinghorne’s partnership with Alanna Kennedy in the final. Brilliant tackles to hold Australia strong as the tide swung in favour of Japan.

Stephanie Catley - 7

Great play from the captain who led by example both in defence and attack. Creating chance after chance throughout the match Catley was on her game although Australia’s profligacy hurt her creativity.

Emily Van Egmond - 6

Cool, calm and collected in possession which is what the Matildas missed against Thailand in the semi-final, including crushing the woodwork in the second half. Unfortunately Japan by-passed her with much more direct play.

Elise Kellond-Knight - 5

Failed to capitalise on the Matildas dominance by missing a penalty won by Tameka Butt after just 15 minutes. Her passing game was off and on throughout the match and was sometimes caught holding the ball too long.

Tameka Butt - 7

Finding a lot of space out on the right giving support to Ellie Carpenter's lung-busting runs. Power and trickery opened up many avenues for The Matildas and was one of the best on a losing night.

Chloe Logarzo - 6.5

Logarzo was important tracking back and defending Sawashima who was dangerous when Ellie Carpenter got dragged too far centrally at times. Her crosses however were way too knee-jerk as she would flight her balls into the area way too early, killing off chances.

Lisa De Vanna - 5.5

Almost opened the scoring but the high-flying Yamashita denied the evergreen forward from her Asian Cup goal scoring record. Forced too central and lost her impacg on the match before she was substituted off for Simon on the hour.

Samantha Kerr - 5.5

Dropping deep to provide support and link up play well in the first half her powerful first-time shot inside the box was brilliantly parried away by Yamashita. Japan dropped deeper to nullify her but her lack of potency in front of goal didn’t help.

Substitutes

Kyah Simon - 5

Couldn’t find the spark to pull the Matildas through.