World Cup qualifiers, Japan v Socceroos: Aussies secure priceless point in ugly clash

While it wasn’t quite the history the Socceroos were after, Tony Popovic’s men delivered a gutsy performance on Japanese soil, defying the odds to bring a point back to Australia. See how the action unfolded.

The Socceroos are still chasing their first win over Japan since 2009 but a gutsy performance in Saitama earned Australia a 1-1 draw against the Samurai Blue on Tuesday night.

With a rushed preparation after arriving at the venue less than 40 minutes before kick-off due to a car accident that led to their team bus being stuck in traffic, the Socceroos defied the odds and seemed on track for their first ever win in Japan when they went ahead the second half through an own goal from Shogo Taniguchi.

However, on the balance of play, the hosts grabbed a deserved equaliser in the 76th minute with the game’s second own goal, this time from Socceroos defender Cameron Burgess.

Japan continued to attack but had to settle for a share of the points, with the Socceroos holding on for a crucial point on the qualifying journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Socceroos grabbed a shock lead in the 58th minute and it came with a huge amount of luck.

A seemingly harmless cross from right wing-back Lewis Miller suddenly became Japan’s worst nightmare when defender Taniguchi’s clumsy attempt to clear the ball came off his ankle and resulted in an own goal.

Australia's players after Japan scored an own goal. Picture: AFP

It was the first goal Japan had conceded in qualifying.

However, Japan responded 18 minutes later when Burgess turned a cross from substitute Keito Nakamura into his own net.

Japan completely dominated the first-half but the Socceroos defended in numbers and limited the space that was available to the hosts.

The Australians had only 29 per cent of possession in the first-half, with Japan making 312 passes compared to the visitors’ 134.

The Samurai Blue also had six shots to one, and five corners to none, but couldn’t find the back of the net.

The closest Japan came to scoring was in the sixth minute when attacking weapon Takefusa Kubo hit the side-netting with an angled strike from close range.

Luke Brattan finally got his chance with the Socceroos. Picture: Getty Images

Golden oldie

Coach Tony Popovic pulled a selection surprise when he called Macarthur FC midfielder Luke Brattan into the starting side as a replacement for the ill Aiden O’Neill.

At 34 years and 221 days old, Brattan became the oldest Socceroos debutant in history ahead of Melbourne Victory striker Bruno Fornaroli, who was 34 years and 199 days old when he debuted for Australia, also against Japan, in March 2022.

Brattan’s inclusion was one of six changes to the team that started in last Thursday’s 3-1 win over.

Cameron Burgess and Jason Geria came in for central defenders Kye Rowles and Thomas Deng, while Jordan Bos was recalled at the expense of left wing-back Aziz Behich.

Attacking weapons Riley McGree and Ajdin Hrustic were also given starts, coming in for Nestory Irankunda and Craig Goodwin.

Brattans debut ended after 45 minutes, with the veteran replaced at the start of the second half by Patrick Yazbek, who earnt just his second cap.

The Socceroos arrived to the ground just 45 minutes before the match started. Picture: AFP

Better late than never

The Socceroos’ pre-match preparations were severely compromised after their bus trip to the stadium took more than two hours due to traffic congestion stemming from a car accident.

Despite suggestions that Japan requested for the game’s kick-off to be pushed back out of fairness to the Socceroos, Asian Football Confederation officials refused the request even though the Australians only arrived at the match venue a little more than half an hour before the start of the game.

See how the Socceroos draw against Japan unfolded below.

Originally published as World Cup qualifiers, Japan v Socceroos: Aussies secure priceless point in ugly clash