The Socceroos missed their chance of securing an automatic qualification after conceding two late goals.
Japan defeated Australia 2-0 in their World Cup qualifier on Thursday. The Samurai Blue continued their incredible winning streak while Australia drifted further away from second-placed Saudi Arabia.
Japan secure World Cup qualification!
Japan defeated their closest rivals Saudi Arabia 2-0 on February 1. Having already moved to the top of the Group B table, the Samurai Blue started the game by dominating the possession early on.
However, Hajime Moriyasu’s side failed to score in the first half as they struggled to convert their chances. Australia looked much-improved offensively in the second half, pushing to get the opener in the first 20 minutes after the interval.
Following a few missed chances from the Socceroos, Japan reinforced their attacks in the final stages of the game.
Their plan worked out when Kaoru Mitoma converted Miki Yamane’s cutback as soon as he received it inside the six-yard box. The Union SG winger went on to double Japan’s lead in the 94th minute, completing their great night in Australia.
What’s next for Australia and Japan?
The 2-0 win ends Australia’s dreams of securing an automatic playoff for the Qatar World Cup. The Socceroos will have to navigate through an Asian playoff campaign before potentially playing an intercontinental qualifier.
On the other hand, Japan qualified for the summer games. However, they must continue fighting for first place in the group standings, with Saudi Arabia sitting a point below them.
The Samurai Blue will face Vietnam in their last qualifier on Tuesday, while Australia meet Saudi Arabia on the same day.
Player Ratings
Australia: Ryan (5), Grant (5), Sainsbury (7), Degenek (7), King (6), Boyle (7), Stensness (6), Metcalfe (6), Mabil (7), Hrustic (7), Duke (6).
Bench: Jeggo (6), Folami (-), Fornaroli (5), Tilio (6), MacLaren (6).
Japan: Gonda (8), Nagatomo (7), Yoshida (7), Itkura (7), Yamane (6), Endo (7), Minamino (8), Morita (6), Tanaka (6), Ito (6), Asano (7).
Bench: Nakayama (6), Mitoma (9), Haraguchi (6), Ueda (7).
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