The Socceroos and Japan lining up for their national anthems before kick-off Photo: sean in japan
The Socceroos were held to a 1-1 draw against Japan on Tuesday night (EDT) in a crucial World Cup qualifier before a parochial Saitama, Japan, crowd. They almost managed an upset victory in what was a gallant display of effort and courage despite the heavy odds of a Japanese win.
It was evident from the outset that the Socceroos were in for a busy night in defence. Coach Holger Osieck was playing a counter attacking game which was well instilled given their display. Both teams were working at a high paced level with neither of them ready to give an inch of territory or possession away to their opponent.
The level of technical skill was at a premium as well with the entertainment value of the match being the winner in what was already expected to be a highly contested affair.
The first first half saw a number of chances for both teams, the most notable was a chance from about 8 yards out that saw the evergreen Mark Schwarzer produce a reflex save that kept the score at 0-0.
The beginning of the second half saw Japan dominate Australia with attacks coming via possession in the midfield. Home team heroes Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa were putting on a two-man show that threatened to undo all of the Socceroos’ disciplined display in defence.
The wave of Japanese attacks started to subside as the Socceroos began to venture up-field again, threatening to steal a goal against the run of play. With every possession of the ball in midfield, Mark Bresciano looked a chance to create something special for the Socceroos.
In the 81st minute, a move down the left hand side saw Australian winger Tommy Oar loop in a far post cross-come-shot that made its way past a hapless Japanese keeper to give Australia a 1-0 lead. The goal had the travelling 1,100 Socceroos fans echoing their cheers around a stunned Saitama Stadium.
The home team was rallying relentlessly to avoid a final day scrap for World Cup qualification but the Socceroos were being continually resilient in defence. In the 91st minute a cross into the box saw defender Matt Mackay inexplicably handle the ball, giving the referee no choice but to award the home team a penalty. The spot kick was well dispatched by Honda which handed Japan a valuable point and qualification for the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil.
Australia now has two more qualifiers to get themselves to Brazil in the coming fortnight where two victories could see them also qualify for the finals.
Japan 1 (Honda 91st’)
Australia 1 (Oar 82nd’)
Man of the match: Tommy Oar
Crowd: 62,172
