Dramatic Late Goal Secures Australia's Near Victory in World Cup Match against Japan
Down to the Wire: A Tense Duel as Australia Narrowly Tops Japan
Perth, here's the buzz - Aziz Behich thundered in a last-minute winner, sending the Socceroos soaring towards the 2026 World Cup Finals! A nail-biting 1-0 triumph against Japan brought the throng of 57,226 fans to their feet, causing an eruption of cheers.
With seconds winding down, Behich pounced on Riley McGree's clever pass to rifle the ball into the net, sending shockwaves through the Japanese camp. Australia now sits comfortably in second place, clinging on to 16 points, four adrift of the already qualified Japanese.
But fear not, Socceroos fans - your team's ticket to the World Cup Finals, held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, remains secure, so long as fourth-placed Saudi Arabia fails to overcome Bahrain in Riffa, a result that emerged subsequent to the press time.
In the heart-stopping event that Bahrain claimed victory, Australia's superior goal difference ensures they'll still be bound for a sixth consecutive World Cup when they tussle with Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on June 10.
"It's still sinking in," Behich admitted after the match. "It was a tough game, and we knew we had to grind it out. The boss said at half-time that no matter how tough it gets, we will get our opportunity if we keep pushing. Fortunately enough, it fell to me, and I was able to make the most of it."
In this historical 16-year drought against Japan, thrilling twists and turns escalated through the match. Japan, who were the first nation to qualify for the World Cup, fielded a team with three debutants, dominating possession while the Socceroos struggled to find their footing. With quality chances scarce, one ended just past the post in the 37th minute, speared by Japan's new cap, Yu Hirakawa.
Australia continued to battle on, fighting tooth and nail for opportunities. The breakthrough finally came in the 90th minute, as substitute McGree slipped a brilliant pass to Behich, who smashed the ball home, powering Australia to victory.
In a disappointing tip of the hat to the Japanese, head coach Hajime Moriyasu expressed his dissatisfaction.
"Despite fielding a young team with little experience, they prepared well and showcased our playing style... It's a crushing disappointment that we were unable to secure a win," said Moriyasu.
As the World Cup Finals edge closer, the unpredictable nature of the contest keeps fans guessing. Australia's tactics will undergo intense scrutiny, as the team strives to lock down a favorable position amongst its competitors. In the meantime, China's dreams of qualification took a blow, falling 1-0 to Indonesia, a result that spelled the end of their World Cup aspirations. Stay tuned for more updates!
Despite the Japanese team fielding a youthful squad, they dominated possession against Australia in the World Cup qualifier. However, in the final minute of the match, a passing combination between Riley McGree and Aziz Behich led to a decisive football goal, securing Australia's place in the World Cup Finals, set to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
