Own goals all round as Socceroos pick up vital point in Japan

Australia and Japan traded own goals in a 1-1 draw in 2026 World Cup qualifying in Saitama on Tuesday night.

The Socceroos, in just their second game under Tony Popovic, took the lead in the 58th minute when a Lewis Miller cross fortuitously found its way into the back of the net via Shogo Taniguchi.

It somewhat came against the run of play as the Socceroos had not conjured a single shot on goal prior. It was the first goal the Japanese had conceded in this stage of Asian qualifying.

Japan entered the Group C clash on the back of three straight wins and they were intent on keeping that record intact.

The Blue Samurai found their way back into the contest in the 76th minute when Keito Nakamura’s cross from the byline after a jinking run was turned in by Cameron Burgess.

By the time the final whistle came around, neither side had been able to edge ahead of the impasse with a point apiece pocketed by both sides.

The result keeps Japan on top of the qualifying table with 10 points from four matches while the Socceroos sit second on five points.

The next fixture for the Aussies is against Saudi Arabia, third on five points, in Melbourne on November 14.

See the own goals below:

Image from Socceroos on X.