The Socceroos have let a 1-0 lead over Japan slip via a heartbreaking Cam Burgess own goal but desperately clung on to claim a crucial 1-1 draw in their crunch World Cup qualifier in Saitama.
Australia were on track to claim their first win over the Samurai Blue in Japan after a horror own goal by Shogo Tanaguchi in the 58th minute gave the Socceroos the most unlikely of leads in front of 58,730 fans at Saitama Stadium.
Tanaguchi inexplicably tried to clear a Lewis Miller cross with the outside of his right boot instead of using his left, and sliced the ball past goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.
But 18 minutes later, Burgess knocked a Keito Nakamura squaring ball into his own net, with the Socceroos having to desperately defend to hold on for their first point in Japan since 2013.
But some had questioned on social media why the match had not been delayed, after the Soccerroos were delayed in making it to the stadium.
The Socceroos were held to a 1-1 draw by Japan on Tuesday night in their World Cup Qualifier in Saitama
Cameron Burgess’ secon half own goal saw the Roos give away their lead after they had been the beneficiaries of an own goal in the first half
Tony Popovic’s side have five points from their first four games and currently sit second in group C behind Japan
Prior to kick-off a traffic incident had occurred on the motorway, that left Tony Popovic’s side stuck in a gridlock for over two hours.
The team’s arrival was subsequently delayed, arriving just one hour ahead of kick-off, with Australia having only 28 mintues to warm-up ahead of the match.
Paramount+ commentator Robbie Thomson delivered an update on the game ahead of the match.
He said to the broadcaster: ‘The match commissioner has refused to push back kick-off, despite a demand from the Japanese delegation to say: “This is really not fair on the Australian team. We don’t want to play this game if it is going to be like this for them.”
‘That appeal was rejected,’ he added, before stating: ‘This is a crazy situation for such a crucial match.’
Journalist Vince Rugari took to X (formerly Twitter) to brand the lack of a postponement ‘scandalous’.
‘It’s absolutely scandalous that this game hasn’t been delayed. Notwithstanding the fact that Japan will probably smash us here, it’s totally outrageous. Got their warm-up in 30 mins before KO. The AFC has a lot to answer for… but of course they never will #JPNvAUS.’
Considering the permutations of this game, several others online hit out at the decision.
But there were controversial scenes before a ball had even been kicked, with Australia arriving late to the stadium and having just 28 minutes to warm up
‘The fact that Japan asked to delay is the biggest joke,’ one wrote in response.
Another wrote: ‘Socceroos getting 35 minutes from arrival at the stadium to kick off is an absolute farce. The AFC even rejected Japan’s request to delay the game in fairness to Australia. Props to Japan but this has a 1-0 AUS win all over it, let’s go.’
After the match, Jackson Irvine spoke out on the pre-match delay.
‘It is what it is,’ he said. ‘When circumstances are out of your control, it makes it simple: you’ve just gotta do it. I can’t speak highly enough of all our stuff for the way they prepare us. They gave us the best opportunity to perform tonight and we did that.’
Had Australia held on to their lead, it would have been their first-ever victory over Japan
Australia have five points from their first four games and currently sit second in group C behind Japan (10 points), pending other results – with the top two teams qualifying directly for the 2026 World Cup.
The Socceroos return to action in a huge clash against Saudi Arabia at Melbourne’s AAMI Park on November 14.
After collecting a late booking in Japan Craig Goodwin will be suspended for the clash.
