SAITAMA (Japan): Aziz Behich’s late own goal handed Japan a much-needed 2-1 win over Australia as the Samurai Blue picked up their second victory in Group B of the Asian Qualifiers on Tuesday.
Behich bundled the ball over his own line after Maty Ryan struggled to deal with Takmua Asano’s looping shot, which came back off the post before being redirected into the Socceroos’ goal.
The win earns Japan a FIFA World Cup lifeline after only one win in their previous three matches and came after Ajdin Hrustic had cancelled out Ao Tanaka’s early effort with a stunning 69th minute free-kick.
Japan not only close the gap to the Socceroos in Group B to three points after four games but they also ended Australia’s record-breaking run of 11 consecutive wins in qualifying for Qatar 2022. It was no less than the home side deserved in a game dominated by Moriyasu’s team and which the Japanese should have sealed much earlier.
