Asian Cup 2011: Deja Blue All Over Again as Japan Make History

The Blue Samurai of Japan officially made history as Asia's most accomplished national team.

Super sub Tadanari Lee, a Korean-born striker from Sanfrecce Hiroshima, was the hero for Alberto Zaccheroni's side with a wonder goal in the 109th minute to give Japan a 1-0 win over a spirited Australia side.

Japan previously won the Asian Cup in 1992, 2000 and 2004. This marks a record fourth Asian Cup for the Blue Samurai.

Goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima was a beast in the net, making save after save after save to earn Man of the Match. He kept Australia's offense, which rang six up on Uzbekistan a few days earlier, at bay.'

CSKA Moscow midfielder Keisuke Honda was named Player of the Tournament.

For the Socceroos, this was their best finish in an international competition since their runner-up efforts at the 1997 FIFA Confederations Cup.

Ultimately, the inability for Holger Osieck's  men to capitalize on the multiple chances they had will haunt them at least until 2015, when they host the competition for the first time. With the defeat, the Socceroos fail to win two continental championships (they had previously won the OFC Nations Cup) and will have to wait another four years.

And it is clear that the one opponent that will continue to haunt them at this competition is Japan. Australia is 0-2 against the Blue Samurai in AFC Asian Cup matches. The overall series is now deadlocked at 2-2-1.

Japan, however, will get a chance to win two continental titles when they compete in the 2011 Copa America from July 1 to 24.