Football: Makeshift Japan fall late to Australia for 1st q'fiers loss
KYODO NEWS - 12 minutes ago - 23:33 | Sports, All, Japan
Already-qualified Japan fell to a late 1-0 defeat away to Australia on Thursday in the Asian final-round qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, their first loss of the campaign.
A makeshift Samurai Blue side were stunned in the 90th minute when Aziz Behich drilled a shot inside the right-hand post at Perth Stadium off a Riley McGree cutback from the right byline, all but sealing Australia's automatic qualification as Group C runners-up.
"It ended up being an extremely frustrating and disappointing result," Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu said. "Many players with little experience were in action, but they have made the best preparation possible, showing zeal from training."
With Japan having become in March the first non-host nation to qualify, Moriyasu opted to call up a raft of new faces for their two dead rubbers this month, and Hiroki Sekine, Yu Hirakawa and Kota Tawaratsumida all made their Japan debuts in Western Australia.
While Yuito Suzuki and captain Daichi Kamada enjoyed a strong first half in attacking midfield, right wing-back Hirakawa had the best chances of the half for a dominant Japan as two long-range drives late on off both feet threatened the Australian goal.
The 64th-minute introductions of Keito Nakamura and Takefusa Kubo added spark to the visitors' attack, with Kubo seeing a shot off his weaker right foot sail narrowly wide in the 80th minute.
But Tony Popovic's men did not settle for a point and grabbed a precious opportunity to take all three points, which all but secured their place in the finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States next summer.
Japan will wrap up their qualifying at home to Indonesia on Tuesday in Suita, Osaka Prefecture.
"Whoever gets picked, Japan always play to win. We wanted to continue our unbeaten run, but you cannot turn back the clock," Moriyasu said. "We'll ready ourselves the best we can to round things off with a win."
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