‘Rope-a-dope’ Socceroos grab huge World Cup qualifying win over Japan
After a mostly dreadful performance against Asian powers Japan, one moment of magic has put Australia on the verge of another World Cup.
Football
Don't miss out on the headlines from Football. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Socceroos have stolen a shock 1-0 win over Asian giants Japan to take a giant leap towards qualification for the 2026 World Cup finals in the US, Canada and Mexico.
In front of 57,226 fans at Optus Stadium in Perth, Tony Popovic’s side produced very little attacking threat of note in a largely disappointing return on home soil.
Watch every game of The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup LIVE on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer.
But in the final minute of regulation time, substitute Riley McGree found space down the right and produced a cut back that fell for Aziz Behich, who finished superbly to send the home crowd into raptures.
The Socceroos are close to securing their place in next year’s World Cup, however Saudi Arabia still holds a mathematical chance at stealing the second qualifying berth in Group C after their 2-0 win over Bahrain on Friday morning (AEST).
The result means Saudi Arabia must hold the Socceroos scoreless and defeat them by at least five goals when the two teams meant on Wednesday morning (AEST) in order to match Australia on points and then qualify with a superior goal difference.
Watch the Socceroos vs Japan highlights in the video above
Australia was facing an uphill task coming into the match, having failed to beat Japan in 10 consecutive meetings dating way back to 2009.
Asian giants Japan meanwhile were riding a 21-match unbeaten streak in World Cup qualifiers, including 18 wins.
But the stats meant nothing as Australia snatched a huge three points right at the death.
“It was one attack of substance,” Andy Harper said on Paramount Plus. “One.”
Behich was understandably beaming after such a critical moment in national colours.
“Obviously we’ve had better games, but that’s football,” he said.
“The ones where you have to grind and scrap, they’re the ones you remember and we’re going to enjoy this night.”
Japan brought an understrength side to Australia, but was captained by Crystal Palace FA Cup winner Daichi Kamada and had the likes of Liverpool’s Wataru Endo on the bench.
With so much on the line, the Socceroos got off to a nervy start and battled for any form of meaningful possession.
The visitors enjoyed a whopping 84 per cent of the ball over the first 12 minutes without carving out any clear goalscoring opportunities.
“Australia has to work really hard to find any sort of space,” Simon Hill said in commentary.
It didn’t get any better, with the home side failing to get any sort of control.
“Australia have a growing problem here and one they need to find a solution to,” Hill said.
Co-commentator Harper then quipped: “Australia have been second-best in a two-horse race, almost fourth best, trying to keep the ball.”
It took until the 33rd minute for Australia to get forward and chalk up its first corner as the home fans waited for something to cheer.
It came to nothing and the half ended 0-0, which was the only real positive for Popovic’s side.
In a game of very few chances, Japanese substitute Takefusa Kubo had what appeared the best of the game, when his shot flashed just wide of Maty Ryan’s post with just over 10 minutes remaining.
Up stepped Behich with a superb curling strike that is up there with the most important in Australia’s World Cup qualifying history.
Popovic was overcome with emotion as the Socceroos secured the win, sinking to his knees and pumping his fists in stirring scenes you can watch in the video above.
Despite the late heroics, Australia showed it still has a long way to go to build a team that can compete on the global stage and fans were quick to vent their frustrations.
“Nice preview of the absolute garbage we’ll serve up if we do make the world cup,” was one blunt comment on X prior to Behich’s goal.
“We don’t deserve to be anywhere near the WC Finals,” said another.
“Lads, games started by the way,” said another well into the second half.
Others were increasingly annoyed with the game style.
One tweeted: “Why are we playing with a defensive mindset, you don’t win games if you aren’t even looking to score.”
Another asked: “Can we do something other than passing the ball f**king back?”
One fan said: “We look easily outclassed (at home). When you look at our (attacking) options, we really are a pub side. But effort goes a long way let’s pinch it.”
Effort did prove the difference for an Australian side that kept trying and managed to grab a victory with its first and only real opportunity.
“Sometimes we’re critical of coaches but maybe we’ve got to say Popovic got it right tonight,” Hill added.
“The rope-a-dope worked.”
Originally published as ‘Rope-a-dope’ Socceroos grab huge World Cup qualifying win over Japan
‘Sir’ David Beckham set for title change
David Beckham has completed almost everything he can in the sporting realm and now he was been rewarded with the highest honour.
Ex-Socceroo’s move to Mariners in doubt
What was looming as a happy homecoming for a former Socceroos goalkeeper may not eventuate due to a freeze on signing players at the Central Coast Mariners.