ITO SCORES AS JAPAN GAIN ON AUSTRALIA

Crucial win and Socceroos’ draw with Saudis mean they stay in hunt for World Cup place

HANOI • Japan yesterday took advantage of Australia’s 0-0 home stalemate with Saudi Arabia to haul themselves back into contention to qualify automatically for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Junya Ito’s strike in the 17th minute was enough to secure a 1-0 away victory over Vietnam, enabling the Samurai Blue to close the gap to the second-place Socceroos (10) to just a point in Group B after five games.

Leaders Saudi Arabia spoiled Australia’s homecoming party to retain their three-point advantage over the hosts.

Australia, with only one loss in their last 13 matches and playing their first match on home soil in more than two years, dominated possession but could not make the most of the opportunities they created in front of a crowd of 23,214 at a rain-soaked Western Sydney Stadium.