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.

Moriyasu’s decision to select Tanaka ahead of Gaku Shibasaki in midfield paid off almost instantly, the former Kawasaki Frontale midfielder adding energy into Japan’s midfield and he claimed the opener with barely eight minutes on the clock.

 

Takumi Minamino drew the Australian defence towards him before switching the ball to the right side of the area, where Tanaka had the time and space to slot his shot past the outstretched hand of Ryan.

The Socceroos responded with Tom Rogic seeing his effort deflected over the bar and Shuichi Gonda tipping a looping header from Trent Sainsbury to safety before punching Hrustic’s angled shot out for a corner.

 

Japan, though, looked rejuvenated after their disappointing start to qualifying and should have added to their lead. Junya Ito thumped the ball high over the bar when he had time to do better and Yuya Osako somehow shot wide 10 minutes before the break.

 

The home side were almost made to rue that miss six minutes later when Adam Taggart picked up possession from Martin Boyle, but the Cerezo Osaka striker’s shot was touched onto the post by Gonda while Aaron Mooy’s follow-up was blocked by Wataru Endo.

Mooy and Rogic both tried their luck from distance without any joy and Hiroki Sakai headed over the bar at the other end before Australia levelled. 

 

Referee Abdulrahman Al Jassim initially gave a penalty for Hidemasa Morita’s foul on Hrustic but, after VAR overruled to award a free-kick, the midfielder curled his set-piece home off the underside of Gonda’s bar.

Japan, however, pushed for the winner and, after Ryan was forced into making several saves to keep the hosts at bay, Moriyasu’s side finally struck when Asano – on as a substitute for Minamino – hit a shot that came off the post and crossed the line via the shins of the unfortunate Behich.

Japan play Vietnam and Oman in the November window while Australia will face Saudi Arabia and China PR.