Replying to an own goal, Japan vs Australia finished 1-1

Saitama –

There was no winner in the Japan vs Australia match. Due to an own goal, the Fourth Round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifications in the Asian Zone ended 1-1.

In the match held at Saitama Stadium, Tuesday (15/10/2024) evening WIB, Japan appeared without captain Wataru Endo who was absent due to health problems. Ayasa Ueda was installed as the sole striker supported by the trio of Takefusa Kubo, Takumi Minamino and Kaoru Mitoma.

Both teams exchanged attacks in the first 10 minutes. Kubo fired a right-footed shot in the sixth minute from a tight angle but it went wide.

A minute later it was Mitch Duke’s turn to threaten with a header that was wide on the right side of Zion Suzuki’s goal. In the 15th minute, Ritsu Doan found a gap in the Australian defense and fired a hard kick which was parried by Joe Gauci.

Ao Tanaka wasted a golden opportunity in the 23rd minute from a counter-attack situation when his shot in the penalty box sailed over the bar.

Likewise with Shogo Taniguchi’s opportunity in the 27th minute from a header following Kubo’s corner which still missed. There were no more dangerous opportunities created by either team until the first half ended 0-0.

Entering the second half, Japan still dominated the game. Unfortunately, they conceded in the 58th minute after Taniguchi, who tried to block a crossing from the right side, instead directed it towards his own goal.

This goal made Japan flinch and immediately put pressure on Australia. They forced Australia to defend against the wave of attacks created by Ueda and Hidemasa Morita in the 62nd and 62nd minutes, but did not meet the target.

Japan was finally able to equalize the score in the 76th minute, also from the opponent’s own goal. Keito Nakamura’s stab from the left ended with a pass towards the front of the goal, which Cameron Burgess deflected into his own net.

Cameron Burgess found the net himself making the score 1-1. (Photo: REUTERS/Issei Kato)

Japan was increasingly eager to find a goal, but their efforts were fruitless because Australia defended completely. The score 1-1 closed the Japan vs Australia match.

This additional one point does not change Japan’s position at the top of Group C with 10 points from four matches. Australia is in second place with five points from four matches.

(mrp/cas)