Australia edges Japan in tight contest
The Subway Socceroos secured a crucial 1-0 win over Japan at Optus Stadium in front of 57,000 fans. Aziz Behich scored the only goal of the night in the 90th minute to hand Australia a rare win over Japan. It was Australia’s first victory over Japan in a Men’s ‘A’ International since 2009, breaking a ten-match drought.
Figure 1: Celebrations following the 90th minute Behich stunner
World Cup qualification within reach
The win moves Australia a step closer to automatic qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026™. Australia will qualify if they avoid a heavy loss to Saudi Arabia in their final group match next week. If Saudi Arabia fail to beat Bahrain later tonight, Australia’s spot in the top two will be confirmed.
Popovic makes three changes
Tony Popovic made three changes to the side that defeated China PR in the previous fixture. Alessandro Circati and Connor Metcalfe returned from injury while Aiden O’Neill started in midfield. They replaced Jackson Irvine and Nishan Velupillay, both injured, and Jason Geria, who moved to the bench.
Japan controls early possession
Japan started strong, dominating possession and restricting Australia to under 20% of the ball in spells. Despite control, Japan struggled to create clear-cut chances during the first half in Perth. Yuito Suzuki’s long run in the 28th minute ended with a shot that went wide of Mat Ryan’s goal. Yu Hirakawa’s powerful strike also missed the target, as did Daichi Kamada’s deflected effort near half-time.
Australia finds limited first-half chances
Australia’s best first-half opportunity came from set pieces in the 32nd minute. Martin Boyle’s deflected free-kick won Australia their first corner of the night. Ryan Teague’s corner met Connor Metcalfe’s head, but he failed to direct it on goal.
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Halftime changes spark urgency
Popovic introduced Riley McGree and Patrick Yazbek at the break to shift momentum. Brandon Borrello pressed high early in the second half but could not create a chance. Aziz Behich followed up and shot wide soon after, as Australia looked for rhythm.
Japan continues possession game
The second half followed the pattern of the first, with Japan holding the ball but lacking end product. Australia’s defence stayed compact and disciplined, repelling Japan’s attempts in the final third. In the 68th minute, Jason Geria replaced Lewis Miller, and Mitchell Duke came on for Borrello. Duke quickly impacted the match, drawing a foul that led to a free kick, though Australia could not convert.
Late changes and close calls
Daniel Arzani entered in the 80th minute, replacing Metcalfe to offer attacking spark. Japan nearly scored moments later, as Takefusa Kubo’s shot clipped the outside of the post. Australia failed to clear properly, but the shot could not beat the woodwork or Mat Ryan.
Behich breaks deadlock with rare goal
The decisive moment came in the 90th minute, sparked by substitute McGree. McGree turned sharply, beat his defender and reached the byline before cutting the ball back. The ball looked set to miss every Australian attacker until Behich arrived in the box. Behich curled a strike into the far corner, scoring his first international goal in 13 years.
Figure 2: Aziz Behich scored his first international goal in 13 years
Socceroos await Saudi result
The Socceroos will qualify tonight if Saudi Arabia fail to defeat Bahrain later. Otherwise, Australia must avoid a heavy defeat against Saudi Arabia in their final Group C match.
Match Summary
Socceroos 1 vs 0 Japan
Goal: Aziz Behich 90′
Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth
Date: Thursday, 5 June 2025
Australia line-up:
Mathew Ryan (GK); Lewis Miller (Jason Geria 68′), Alessandro Circati, Milos Degenek, Cameron Burgess, Aziz Behich; Ryan Teague (Patrick Yazbek 45′), Connor Metcalfe (Daniel Arzani 80′), Aiden O’Neill; Martin Boyle (Riley McGree 45′), Brandon Borrello (Mitchell Duke 68′)
Unused substitutes:
Joe Gauci (GK), Paul Izzo (GK), Kai Trewin, Kye Rowles, Marco Tilio, Anthony Caceres, Adam Taggart
Yellow Cards: Nil
Red Cards: Nil
Japan line-up:
Kosei Tani (GK); Hiroki Sekine, Tsuyoshi Watanabe (Kota Takai 70′), Koki Machida (Ayumu Seko 45′); Kaishu Sano (Kodai Sano 64′), Joel Chima Fujita, Yuito Suzuki, Yu Hirakawa, Daichi Kamada (c), Kota Tawaratsumida (Keito Nakamura 64′), Ohashi Yuki (Shuto Machino 70′)
Unused substitutes:
Zion Suzuki (GK), Keisuke Osako (GK), Wataru Endo, Takefusa Kubo, Shunsuke Mito, Ryoya Morishita, Koki Kumasaka
Yellow Cards: Nil
Red Cards: Nil
