The Socceroos may consider their night in Saitama a moment of what could’ve been after going awfully close to ending their Japan hoodoo.
The Australian men’s national team has never won in the country, a record that continues after a drawn AFC Asian Qualifier for the World Cup featuring two own goals.
It could’ve easily ended up being a historic night if not for Cameron Burgess putting the ball in his own net in the 76th minute.
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In the first half, neither side looked likely to break the deadlock and the score remained 0-0 at the break.
The fist pump came from new Socceroos coach Tony Popovic in the 58th minute when Shogo Taniguchi conceded an own goal after a Lewis Miller cross.
“This could be one of the more remarkable moments in the history of the Socceroos … it’s a quite remarkable opening goal for Australia,” Andy Harper said on commentary for Paramount+.
“Horrible moment,” Simon Hill described it as later for Japan.
The goal was the first Japan conceded in this World Cup cycle.
But then later in the second half, Keito Nakamura pulled off a dazzling run down the left wing.
The ball was crossed in and deflected off Burgess for another own goal to make it 1-1.
The score wouldn’t change for the rest of the match as the Socceroos defied a heavy possession count against them.
Japan finished with 71 per cent possession and had 12 shots with three on target. Australia finished with only one shot overall.
Preparation for the Socceroos couldn’t have been worse after the team bus was stuck in traffic on the way to the stadium.
The side didn’t warm up until 28 minutes before kick off with reports Japan attempted to have the start delayed because of the Socceroos’ late arrival.
However, the match commissioner rejected the request.