Socceroos analysis: A draw may look good but the real difference was clear as day

It wasn’t pretty but a masterful tactical display from Tony Popovic delivered Australia a shock draw, but it was far from the finished product as Japan proved they are clearly a class above.

Japan's Keito Nakamura controls the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian zone qualifiers football between Japan and Australia at Saitama Stadium in Saitama on October 15, 2024. (Photo by Philip FONG / AFP)

It wasn’t pretty football and Japan certainly looked the better team but masterful tactics from new Socceroos coach Tony Popovic delivered a shock 1-1 draw against Japan.

Socceroos valiant efforts in defence and a kiss from Lady Luck, helped limit the damage done by the relentless Japanese side.

The Socceroos went into the match against Japan as underdogs - no one expected them to get on the scoreboard let alone jump on the plane back home having pulled off a draw with the group leaders.

It happened courtesy of an own goal from Shogo Taniguchi in the 58th minute.

The first goal the Samurai Blue had conceded in their nine World Cup qualifiers.

But the Socceroos were far from being in control of the match.

Popovic, coaching just his second international match, comes from an era when defeating Japan wasn’t considered an impossible task.

A hard-fought draw away from home 🙌#Socceroos#JPNvAUSpic.twitter.com/mizUgWdDpC

— Subway Socceroos (@Socceroos) October 15, 2024

He was in the Socceroos squad that famously beat the Samurai Blue at the 2006 World Cup - setting up their unforgettable run to the Round of 16.

The on park performance revealed just how big a gap there is between Japan and the Socceroos.

Japan were smooth, slick and technical.

They opened up our midfield, danced around our defence and were relentless in their high press.

Harry Souttar was strong in defence all night. Picture: AFP

In the opening half Australia had just 30 per cent of the ball and made one shot. By the full time whistle we had 34 per cent possession and still just the single shot to Japan’s 12.

The Socceroos made just 329 passes while Japan completed 599.

The rare occasions the Socceroos had the ball, Japan would win it back within seconds.

Socceroos only real option to tackle their opponent’s finesse and attacking prowess was to focus on defence.

It was a tactically sound decision from Popovic - it worked for 73 minutes - an own goal off Cameron Burgess levelling the scores at 1-1.

We 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐉𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐧 after a fortunate own goal! 😅

Lewis Miller's dangerous ball forces the error!

🎥 @ParamountPlusAU#Socceroos#JPNvAUSpic.twitter.com/PhdlqvcpRY

— Subway Socceroos (@Socceroos) October 15, 2024

The set-up encouraged Japan to attack and forced Popovic to have faith his team could extinguish the chances.

It’s not pretty football.

The Socceroos didn’t venture past the halfway line very often - especially in the first 45 minutes.

But it delivered a favourable result and has kept the Socceroos chances of direct qualification to the World Cup alive.

Harry Souttar and Jason Geria proved shining lights for the Socceroos.

Jackson Irvine dug deep and proved why he had been called on to wear the captain’s armband.

There was a clear gap in skill between Japan and Australia. Picture: Getty Images

No other team in the group so far has been able to put Japan under so much pressure.

No other team has registered a goal against them this World Cup qualification process.

As it stands Australia sit second in the group, one point ahead of Saudi Arabia (who are yet to play).

It is a big jump from the bottom of the table which is where they sat before Popovic arrived a few short weeks ago.

While it wasn’t pretty football it got the job done.

There is no denying Australia need to improve when they have the ball at their feet, work on their composure in front of the net and find a new level of creativity.

But that was never something Popovic was going to be able to deliver at this stage of his national team coaching career.

It needs more than one camp and a week with the team to fix those issues.

But there is no need to panic until the 2026 World Cup to get those problem areas corrected.

Originally published as Socceroos analysis: A draw may look good but the real difference was clear as day