Socceroos dudded by ‘scandalous’ decision after chaotic scenes unfold

Australia were dealt a cruel blow ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Japan before salt was poured into the wound.

Craig Goodwin. Photo by Maya Thompson/Getty Images.

The Socceroos have walked away from an enthralling battle against Japan on Tuesday night with a 1-1 draw after enduring “scandalous” pre-game scenes.

Inside a boisterous Saitama Stadium, the Aussies entered the contest as the heavy underdogs but were dealt a cruel blow in the lead up to the contest.

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As the team departed the hotel a crash unfolded on the freeway which kept the team bus stranded in gridlock for more than two hours.

It meant they only arrived at the stadium an hour out from the contest and only hit the pitch to begin warming up 28 minutes ahead of kick off.

Paramount commentator Robbie Thompson noted ahead of the contest that the Japanese delegation had demanded the match be pushed back to ensure a more even playing field.

Those requests however fell on deaf ears with the match commissioner refusing the pleas and insisting the game go ahead to schedule.

The Socceroos overcame some serious drama. (Photo by Philip FONG / AFP)

The calls to deny the Aussies longer to prepare for the crucial contest left those watching on seeing red and blasting the Asian Football Confederation.

SMH’s Vince Rugari wrote: “It’s absolutely scandalous that this game hasn’t been delayed. Notwithstanding the fact that Japan will probably smash us here, it’s totally outrageous. Got their warm-up in 30 mins before KO. The AFC has a lot to answer for ... but of course they never will.”

Journalist Christian Monegan: “Honestly, does common sense ever prevail? You know there’s been an accident on the freeway … delay the game. Just utter nonsense. Terrible look by the AFC.”

Tony Popovic has the Socceroos back on track. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Despite the truly bizarre pre-game scenes, the Socceroos got on with it as they withstood a surging Japanese outfit in a nailbiting opening half.

In front of their home fans, the Samurai Blue’s launched attack after attack but couldn’t find a breakthrough as the Aussie defence stood tall.

As their domination continued into the second half, the match was flipped on its head when the Socceroos took the lead in the 58th minute.

After launching a scrambled attack, Lewis Miller crossed into the box where his ball missed its intended target and should have been cleared with relative ease.

Japan defender Shogo Taniguchi however got it completely wrong as his kick attempt came off his shin and looped up over the keeper before it nestled into the back of the net.

The @Socceroos take the lead in Japan!

The deadlock has been broken after a wild deflection from Shogo Taniguchi puts Lewis Miller's cross into the back of the net

🇯🇵 #JPNvAUS 🇦🇺 is live now on Paramount+ 📺 pic.twitter.com/inlZ4S6M1B

— Paramount+ Australia (@ParamountPlusAU) October 15, 2024

Falling behind only saw Japan ramp up their attacking prowess as they peppered away at the Aussie defensive line before they finally got their breakthrough.

With a little under 20 minutes to play a damaging run into the box had the Socceroos scrambled with Cameron Burgess’ attempted clearance finding the back of the net for the second own goal of the evening.

Both nations threw everything they had left in the closing stages of the contest but neither were able to break the deadlock.

New Socceroos coach Tony Popovic has now picked up four points from his first two games in charge.

The former Western Sydney Wanderers manager said his side still has to improve if they want to be the best in Asia.

Popovic was appointed last month when Graham Arnold stepped down after starting the campaign with a home loss to Bahrain and an away draw with Indonesia.

Popovic began his reign with a 3-1 home win over China last week and said he was “very happy” with four points from his first two games.

“It’s not just creativity, we have to improve all over the park because we are aspiring to challenge Japan,” said the 51-year-old.

“Challenging them regularly as the best team in Asia. To do that we know we have to improve.”

Popovic made six changes to the starting line-up that beat China and handed an international debut to 34-year-old midfielder Luke Brattan.

It all went wrong for the Aussies. (Photo by Kenta Harada/Getty Images)

Japan had not conceded in eight previous games in World Cup qualifying.

“Hopefully that gives the players confidence moving forward that we’re building a foundation,” said Popovic.

“Hopefully next camp in November we can add some more layers to it.”

Australia’s next World Cup qualifier is home to Saudi Arabia on November 14, before they travel to face Bahrain five days later.

“It’s positive,” said Popovic.

“Every game is difficult, every game is important and Saudi Arabia will be the same.

“It’s our home game, we want everyone to get behind us, and to create this type of atmosphere in Melbourne would be special.

Australia’s drought against Japan continues with the Socceroos not having tasted success against their rivals since 2009.

In that time they’ve faced off 10 times with Japan’s unblemished record seeing them record six wins with four draws taking place.

The result on Tuesday night keeps Japan five points clear atop Group C in the third round of AFC qualifiers.

The draw leaves Australia second in Group C on five points (+1 goal differential) from four matches, though they may be passed overnight by one of Saudi Arabia (four points, -1), Bahrain (four points, -4) or Indonesia (three points, 0), the latter facing group stragglers China.