Japan’s Unbeaten Streak Comes to an End in Dramatic Fashion
After a remarkable nine-game winning streak, Japan’s flawless record in the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has finally been broken. But it wasn’t an opposing team’s goal that ended their streak – it was their own mistake.
A Dominant Display Turned on Its Head
Japan’s dominant first half against Australia failed to produce a deserved opener, despite the best efforts of Ayase Ueda, Takefusa Kubo, and Takumi Minamino. The Samurai Blue’s intricate play in the final third couldn’t carve out a clear opening, and disaster struck in the 58th minute. A hopeful right-wing cross by Lewis Miller led to an own-goal by Shogo Taniguchi, diverting the ball past a confounded Zion Suzuki into the far corner.
The Turning Point
Australia, recovering from a sluggish start in the third round of qualifiers, would have been content with a point from their trip to Saitama Stadium. But Japan’s reserves had other plans. Junya Itō was introduced shortly after the hour mark, offering a fresh approach down the right side. Then, in the 70th minute, Hajime Moriyasu made a masterstroke by replacing Takefusa Kubo with Keito Nakamura.
Nakamura’s Heroics
Nakamura’s dancing feet caused the Socceroos all sorts of problems, taking on opponents at every opportunity. His dazzling run down the left saw him leave both Miller and Patrick Yazbek in his wake, and his fizzed ball across the face of goal led to Cameron Burgess’s own-goal, salvaging a 1-1 draw for Japan.
A Wealth of Talent
Japan’s bench is overflowing with talent, including Nakamura, Itō, and Ao Tanaka, who earned a move to Championship outfit Leeds this summer. Even when they threatened to self-destruct, this quality in reserve ensured it was at least a draw – and not defeat – that finally halted their perfect record in the Asian qualifiers.
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