Smash-and-grab for Socceroos as they earn precious point in Japan
Australia eke out 1-1 draw to end hosts run of nine winsAn own goal at each end decides World Cup qualifier
Just 22 days ago, on the day he was announced as the new coach of the Socceroos, Tony Popovic made one thing very clear. Above all else: “It’s always okay to win ugly.” And while he may not have taken three points on Tuesday evening in Saitama, the 1-1 draw that Australia’s men secured against Japan, breaking what had been a perfect run of nine games, nine wins, and no goals conceded by the Samurai Blue to that point in World Cup qualifying, certainly felt like one. And having secured it without putting a single shot on target, it was this declaration made manifest. The smash-and-grab in Saitama.
Just before the hour mark, moments after the hosts had fired the latest warning salvo when Takefuso Kubo had floated a ball towards the back post that Takumi Minamino headed into the side netting, Jason Geria headed a clearance by Japan’s goalkeeper Zion Suzuki back from whence it came. Given a rare opportunity to do something other than defend, Lewis Miller’s cross in from the right didn’t look all that threatening but that didn’t stop Shogo Taniguchi from inadvertently turning the ball into his net. 1-0 Australia. What!?!?!
