Australia's so-called golden generation of footballers reflected on a split-second lapse of concentration against Japan that cost them victory in Saturday's Asian Cup final and a rare chance to lift an international trophy.
Substitute Tadanari Lee was left completely unmarked in the box to volley past Mark Schwarzer in extra time and earn Japan its fourth Asian Cup title.
''We felt solid and strong and then one lapse in concentration, a moment of fatigue, has gifted them a goal,'' captain Lucas Neill said.
''We felt like (we could win the title) from when we came in. We were always quietly confident. Today we felt good going into it. It was all there, but it wasn't to be.''
Neill, Schwarzer, Harry Kewell and Tim Cahill have been Australia's leading lights for a decade, and the country's switch to the Asian confederation in 2006 offered them a chance to win a major title.
Australia's disappointing Asian Cup debut in 2007 ended in a penalty shootout loss to Japan, and while the team's performances were much better this year, Japan again defied the Socceroos.
''I thought we were probably the stronger team,'' Cahill said. ''But in the end, over 120 minutes, they've won the cup and there's not much you can say except congratulations to Japan.
''We definitely had a chance of winning it and that's why it hurts a bit more.''
Cahill is now 31 and it will be a surprise if he, Schwarzer (38), Neill and Kewell (both 32) are still playing for Australia when it hosts the next Asian Cup in 2015.
Kewell, who missed several chances for Australia on Saturday, said none of the players had any immediate plans to quit international duty.
''Everyone's keen to keep playing,'' he said. ''We showed we've got a good team bond, and I'm quite sure you'll see some more good football from us.
''You just got to start from scratch. We got to the final, we were unlucky, but we've got to keep going now.''
Kewell's Galatasaray teammate, Neill, also said he wanted to continue representing Australia.
''My future is simple, if my body keeps feeling the way it does, I'll play as long as I can until someone doesn't pick me in the squad,'' Neill said.
''We've got some fantastic talent here, it's been around for a long time and it's probably another reason why today feels a bit unjust. A lot of the hard work hasn't been capped with a title, but you don't always get what you deserve.''
Victory for Australia would also have given a boost to the country's football fans after missing out on the chance to host the 2022 World Cup - beaten by Asian Cup host Qatar.
However, Neill insisted the ''future is bright for Australia'' after a tournament in which Brisbane Roar midfielder Matt McKay forced his way into the team, and 22-year-old striker Robbie Kruse came off the bench several times and scored his first goal for Australia.
Midfielder Tommy Oar, 19, traveled with the squad but did not get any playing time.
McKay's form meant Brett Emerton, another of the Australian old guard, was left on the bench for Australia's final two matches.
''I guess it was a great tournament for myself, but to come so far and miss out on the silverware is a bit depressing,'' McKay said. ''But there were a lot of positives to come out of it.
''A lot of players have emerged and the experienced players really gave it their all. They've been incredible. They've been really influential in how the side's performed.''
Defender Sasa Ognenovski was another new face in the Australian side, having waited until the age of 31 to make his debut. His part in Australia's run to the final capped an impressive year in which he won the Asian Champions League with Korean side Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma and was named Asian Player of the Year.
''I'd trade it all to have a winners' medal today,'' he said Saturday.
Australia will next meet up for a friendly against Germany in March. As host, it has already qualified automatically for the 2015 Asian Cup.
