Shogo Taniguchi's own goal in the 58th minute gave Australia a surprise lead. It was only a mistake from Cameron Burgess that saved Japan from defeat at home.
Australia gradually regains form under coach Popovic
New Australia coach Tony Popovic made several changes to the side that beat China 3-1 in the previous round, with the 34-year-old midfielder making his Socceroos debut. Meanwhile, Ao Tanaka and Takefusa Kubo started in place of Wataru Endo and Daichi Kamada as Japan chased a fourth straight win in the third qualifying round.
Japan started well, putting Australia under pressure but the home team's strikers could not convert their chances into goals. The visitors almost retreated to defense, with center back Harry Souttar leading the defense to deal with Japan's small-sided play in the first half.
Attacking a lot without scoring, coach Hajime Moriyasu's team received a "cold shower" right at the beginning of the second half. In a rare attack, Lewis Millar's low cross caused Taniguchi to clear the ball into his own net, helping the away team take the lead.
Japan looked tired after the goal, but the Blue Samurai eventually recovered and with 14 minutes left, Moriyasu's side equalised. Substitute Keita Nakamura broke through the Socceroos defence before crossing for Ayase Ueda, but Australian goalkeeper Burgess was unlucky enough to score an own goal to secure a draw.
Japan team (blue shirt) faces difficulties against Australia
The draw leaves Japan top of the group on 10 points from four games, with Taniguchi's own goal the first goal the Rising Sun team has conceded since the start of qualifying. Australia have five points to move up to second place, with four of those coming since Popovic replaced Graham Arnold as manager.
In the next round of matches in November, Japan will visit Indonesia and China, while Australia will host Saudi Arabia and meet hosts Bahrain.
In the fourth match of Group B, South Korea continued to regain its prestige when defeating Iraq 3-2 at home with goals from Oh Se-hun, Oh Hyeon-hyu and Lee Jae-sung. With this victory, the Korean team maintained its top position with 10 points, 3 points more than Iraq.
In the next matches, Korea will visit Kuwait and Palestine, while Iraq will welcome Jordan and meet Kuwait.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/vong-loai-world-cup-2026-uc-chan-dung-chuoi-toan-thang-cua-nhat-ban-18524101520003915.htm
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