Tadanari Lee scored an extra-time winner as Japan edged Australia 1-0 to win a pulsating Asian Cup final and become the most successful team in the history of the competition.

The unmarked substitute sent a stunning left-foot volley past the diving Mark Schwarzer in the 109th minute to hand his country their fourth title at the continental showcase, a feat no-one else has achieved.

The win, following their successes in 1992, 2000 and 2004, carried the added bonus of an automatic place at the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil – the traditional World Cup warm-up tournament.

It followed a deadlocked match at 90 minutes that sent the game into extra-time, with penalties looking likely until Lee worked his magic.

Australia had started the second half with real verve and almost took the lead on 49 minutes when Luke Wilkshire’s cross hit the bar and Tim Cahill tried to bundle in the rebound.

Australia claimed a goal but it was not given and replays showed the ball did not go over the line.

Japan also had their chances, with Yuto Nagamoto delivering a perfect cross to Shinji Okazaki, whose header skimmed just past the post with veteran Schwarzer stranded.

In extra-time, Keisuke Honda went close before the dangerous Nagamoto weaved down the left and found the unmarked Lee at the back post, the 25-year-old cleanly hitting his volley for his first international goal.