Australia's quest for Women's Asian Cup glory has ended in heartache after Japan condemned the Matildas to a 1-0 loss in the tournament's final. A first-half goal from Maika Hamano was all that separated the two sides in front of 74,

Japan vs Australia, AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 Final Highlights: Maika Hamano's strike in the 17th minute proved enough as Nadeshiko defeated the Matildas for the 3rd time in the competition's finale.

Defending champion Japan rallied from 1-0 down to beat Australia 4-3 on Sunday behind a seventh-inning, two-run homer with two out by Masataka Yoshida in the World Baseball Classic.

Krest's prediction: Back Australia to upset Japan. Japan is the defending WBC champion and has won its first two games, led by the best player in MLB and one of the top starting pitchers. It will be a heavy favorite in Sunday's game against Australia, but the game won't be the walkover the lines suggest.

Pool C action continues Sunday at the Tokyo Dome as Japan faces Australia in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, with the defending champions looking to stay perfect in front of the home crowd. MORE: Official USA World Baseball Classic

Yoshinobu Yamamoto has won back-to-back Sawamura Awards – the Japanese equivalent of the Cy Young. Most fans in Japan assume a trip to the Majors awaits in his future. He wears No. 18, the number usually reserved for the staff ace in Japan.