There were conflicting emotions for three Chelsea players at the full-time whistle of the Asian Cup final, as Maika Hamano sealed a 1-0 victory for Japan over Ellie Carpenter and Sam Kerr's Australia.
Carpenter and Kerr were included in the Australia side once again, while Hamano – currently on loan at Tottenham Hotspur – was included in Japan's attack.
The stage was set at Stadium Australia as the Matildas walked out in front of 70,000 home supporters. In her pre-match press conference, Carpenter described the final as a 'once-in-a-lifetime opportunity' for the hosts, but the opening goal did not go their way.
Hamano gave Japan the lead after 17 minutes, unleashing a powerful curling effort from the left-hand edge of the penalty area.
Australia went into the half-time interval a goal behind but with time to turn the contest around. In the second period, the Matilads threw everything they had at their opponents in search of an equaliser. But it proved in vain.
Japan's defence, which had only been breached once during their path to the final, held firm once again in the face of relentless pressure and it was they who lifted the trophy.
It meant there was bitter disappointment for Carpenter and Kerr, who will now return to Chelsea for our season run-in.