Japan host Australia in the AFC Asian qualifiers with a perfect record of three wins from three. Australia though have had a stuttering start to qualification but did pick up a 2-1 win against China PR last week. Japan got a massive 2-0 win in Saudi Arabia last time out and start really well here. This is the chance perhaps for them in the sixth minute as Kubo here goes for goal.
And he hits the side netting. First shooting chance for Japan. The ball just lifted through here.
Deflected on its way as he toe pokes into the side netting. Now a raking pass forward from Tanaguchi has got Kubo in again here. But that's really solid defending from Australia. That's been symptomatic of the match so far with Japan pushing on.
But Australia repelling all of their chances. Now the 34th minute as we see Mitoma here going for the curler and it's deflected just off the shoulder of the defender. You can see it from this angle it was on target. 70% of the possession for Japan during that first half but Australia proving difficult to break down. The 57th minute here as a cross comes in towards Minamino.
He goes through it with the diving header. but again Japan off targets. Finally an attack here just a minute later for Australia, as there's good work on the right-hand side, Miller with the ball in, and it's an unfortunate own goal. Taniguchi somehow managing to swipe that one into the back of the net. That's the first goal conceded by Japan in qualification, Australia lead.
The next shooting chance for Japan as Tanaka takes it on, but it's an... Easy one for Gauchi. Australia are desperate to hold on for three points, which really improved their group standing.
15 minutes to go now as we see a weaving run from Nakamura. The ball into the centre. It's another own goal. It's Burgess this time. He could do absolutely nothing about it.
And that's 1-1. The match is wide open. The home side, Japan.
Really going for broke now as Mitoma could be in again and it's another deflected shot this time over. Australia just giving him no space whatsoever. The last chance here right at the death as Ito, the substitute, has a corner, he floats it in here but it's straight into the arms of Gauchi, an easy catch for him. And it ends 1-1. That's the first drop points for Japan as Australia battle to the draw.
Japan now unbeaten in 10 versus the Socceroos as they remain top of the group.