CHENGDU (China) (AFP) A gutsy Australia downed defending champions North Korea 5-4 on penalties in a tense Womens Asian Cup final on Sunday, with both teams qualifying for next years World Cup in Germany. With the scores locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes and extra-time, the Matildas were flawless in the shootout, winning after 18-year-old substitute Kyah Simon netted the winning penalty. It was their first ever Asian championship and they did it without key player Lisa De Vanna who was stretchered off in their final group game with a broken leg. Samantha Kerrs 19th minute goal gave them an early lead with the 16-year-old striker burying a powerful shot in the top of the net after a fine solo run. The Australians were looking good for a win and Collette Mccallum should have made it 2-0 midway through the second-half but instead put her header narrowly wide. North Korea never gave up and grabbed the all-important equalizer on 73 minutes when Jo Yun-Mi latched onto the end of a pinpoint delivery from Song Jong-Sun. In a frantic final 10 minutes of regular time, North Korea pressed forward and almost secured victory when Yun Hyon-His powerful shot rattled the far post as the clocked ticked down. Her miss forced the game into to extra-time but neither side could break the deadlock, leaving them facing a nervous penalty shootout. Earlier, Japan clinched their place at the World Cup by beating hosts China 2-0 in the third-place play-off. A goal in each half sealed victory at the Chengdu Sports Centre, with Kozue Ando opening the scoring in the 18th minute before captain Homare Sawa made the win safe midway through the second half. It ensured Norio Sasakis side will play at the World Cup while China miss out for the first time since the tournaments inception in 1991.