AUSTRALIA CHECK JAPAN'S PERFECT RUN

Coach Moriyasu wanted a win for the fans but takes comfort as hosts rallied for a point

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SAITAMA – Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu was not too happy despite his side denying Australia a famous victory, after coming back to grab a 1-1 draw in World Cup qualifying in Saitama on Oct 15.

Australia had never beaten Japan on Japanese soil but a Shogo Taniguchi own goal just before the hour mark gave the visitors a shock lead in front of a crowd of nearly 60,000 fans.

Cameron Burgess scored a Socceroos own goal at the other end 18 minutes later to hand Japan an equaliser that keeps them on top of Group C on 10 points from four games.

Australia moved to five points, having taken one win and one draw in two games since coach Tony Popovic replaced Graham Arnold in September.

“To be honest, I wanted to win at home. I wanted to deliver a victory because so many supporters came to the stadium and many supporters were cheering for us in front of the TV,” Moriyasu said.