Outsider gives Japan inside edge to stun Socceroos in Asian Cup final

Four years ago, Tadanari Lee wasn't even considered a Japanese citizen despite being born in Tokyo. Now the Sanfrecce Hiroshima striker is a national hero after scoring the only goal in Japan's victory over Australia in the final of the Asian Cup.

A third-generation Korean who had previously trained with - but never played for - the national youth teams of South Korea, Lee came off the bench to make only his second appearance in a Japan shirt.

And in the 108th minute he ended Australia's hopes of an historic first title with a stunning left-foot volley that Mark Schwarzer could only stand by and admire.

'The game today showed that substitute players can also make great contributions to the team and can also play the key role in determining who will win,' the 25-year-old said.

'I am really happy, but I want to say this goal just doesn't belong to me, it is the result of the work done by the whole Japanese team.'

Lee's goal will no doubt turn the spotlight onto the huge Korean community within the nation, many of whom excel in the sporting arena. Jong Tae-se, the star of North Korea's World Cup team, was born in Japan, as were several of his teammates from the side that featured in both South Africa and here in Qatar.