The Socceroos have narrowly missed one of their most famous victories, but still managed to take a valuable point away against group leaders Japan in their World Cup qualifying clash.
Despite not recording a single shot on target the Aussies claimed a 1-1 draw against the highly-fancied Japanese, after a pair of second half own goals.
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Australia was dudded in the pre-game after traffic saw their bus arrive to Saitama Stadium just 49 minutes before kick-off.
Pleas by both Aussie and Japanese officials to delay the start were rejected by the Asian Football Confederation.
The lack of warm-up only ensured the Aussies were further entrenched in the role they’ve found success with in the past – underdogs – as the hosts dominated proceedings yet conceded first.
After a goalless first half, and without a shot on target, the Socceroos took the lead in the 58th minute when a Lewis Miller cross copped a cruel deflection off Shogo Taniguchi, resulting in an own goal.
Japan continued to monopolise possession as it pressed for an equaliser, eventually creating the opportunity it needed when a dangerous cross rebounded off Cam Burgess for an own goal in the 76th minute.
However it appeared the Aussies were unfortunate not to receive a foul for obstruction in the build-up.
Japan peppered the goal late including a dangerous curling corner kick in the final seconds which had to be taken on the line by Joe Gauci.
The result is still a great one for the Socceroos, given Japan had won all three of its matches so far in qualifying by a combined 14-0 scoreline.
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.
Australia next hosts Saudi Arabia in Melbourne on November 14, a critical game for their hopes of finishing second in the group and earning direct qualification into the 2026 World Cup.
MATCH CENTRE: Socceroos vs Japan World Cup qualifying stats and more
SOCCEROOS XI: Joe Gauci (gk), Lewis Miller, Jason Geria, Harry Souttar, Cam Burgess, Jordy Bos, Jackson Irvine (c), Luke Brattan, Ajdin Hrustic, Riley McGree, Mitch Duke
Substitutes: Maty Ryan (gk), Paul Izzo (gk), Thomas Deng, Kye Rowles, Patrick Yazbek, Nishan Velupillay, Apostolos Stametelopoulos, Nestory Irankunda, Daniel Arzani, Aziz Behich, Keanu Baccus, Craig Goodwin
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