Asian World Cup qualifier: Japan dominates against Socceroos at half time, 1-0

Australia has a real fight on their hands in their Asian World Cup qualifier against Japan after a disappointing first half.

Australia's Ryan McGowan is tackled by Genki Haraguchhi of Japan during the Socceroos vs. Japan World Cup qualifier at Etihad Stadium. Picture: Tim Carrafa

Australia has a real fight on their hands in their Asian World Cup qualifier against Japan at Etihad Stadium tonight.

The Socceroos found themselves down 1-0 at half time after a disappointing and very lacklustre first 45 minutes.

The home side was stunned after just five minutes when Japan opened the scoring after the Socceroos gave away possession on half way.

Genki Haraguchi, the stand out player of the first half, ran on to a lovely pass from Keisuke Honda before calmly sliding his left foot shot past goalkeeper Maty Ryan.

It was the second time in as many games the Socceroos had conceded at the five minute mark, having gone a goal down in the 2-2 draw with Saudi Arabia just five days ago.

While they dominated possession, the Socceroos just couldn’t get their attack together. This was easily Australia’s worst performance of the qualifiers.

True to form, Postecoglou made changes to the side that drew 2-2 with Saudi Arabia and came up with a selection surprise as steered away from his preferred 4-3-3 formation to a 4-4-2 with a diamond midfield that allowed him to include Massimo Luongo, Tom Rogic and Aarom Mooy in the same starting XI.

Luongo did not start against the Saudis but his form with Queens Park Rangers in the English championship was just too good for Postecoglou not to give him a chance in the biggest game of the qualifying series.

The surprise was the inclusion of China-based striker Apo Giannou, who came in for Mathew Leckie. He was teamed upfront with the in form Tomi Juric, meaning Tim Cahill was, as expected, left on the bench to be used as a super sub.

Mark Milligan, who has been so consistent for the Socceroos and is usually one of the first picked, was relegated to the bench with Ryan McGowan coming in at right back. Captain Mile Jedinak was cleared of injury to take his place in the heart of the midfield.

Japan made four changes to the line-up that struggled to beat Iraq five days ago. Not unexpectedly, former Manchester United attacker Shinji Kagawa, now with Borussia Dortmund in the Budesliga, came in to the side along with Yu Kobayashi, Hotaru Yamaguchi and Makino Tomoaki.