Japan Beats China To Retain Asian Title

BEIJING, Aug 7 (AFP) - Japan overcame an intimidating atmosphere to beat host nation China 3-1 and retain the Asian Cup here Saturday.
However the victory was mired in controversy as Koji Nakata appeared to handle the ball in the 65th minute for their second goal.
Japan had taken the lead in the 22nd minute when Shunsuje Nakamura crossed deep to Takayuki Suzuki who nodded it back onto the head of Takashi Fukunishi who made no mistake from close range.
China hit back nine minutes later when Li Ming capitalised on some nifty footwork by Yan Song down the left to slot the ball home.
Keiji Tamada made victory certain for Japan one minute into injury time when he dribbled past the keeper to silence the Chinese fans.