In a pulsating World Cup qualifying encounter at Optus Stadium on Thursday night, Aziz Behich’s dramatic 90th-minute goal secured a 1-0 victory for Australia over Japan—Asia’s perennial powerhouse—and all but guaranteed the Socceroos a berth at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Against the run of play, Australia snatched three points that leave them top of Group A with one match to play, three points clear of second-placed Saudi Arabia. Behich’s right-footed finish, his first goal in green and gold in 13 years, sparked scenes of pandemonium in Perth and effectively sealed automatic qualification for the home nation.
Japan’s Early Domination Fails to Yield Goals
From the opening whistle, Japan—nicknamed the Samurai Blue—exerted near-total control over possession and territory. By halftime, the visitors had registered 70 percent possession, attempting seven shots to Australia’s two, and completing 136 passes in Australia’s half compared to just 86 in Japan’s. Despite nearly exclusive control of midfield and sustained pressure, Japan managed only a solitary attempt on target in the first 45 minutes: a long-range strike by Yu Hirakawa that was comfortably held by Australian goalkeeper Mathew Ryan in the 22nd minute. Midfielder Yuito Suzuki came closest to breaking the deadlock in the first half, surging into space in the 28th minute and unleashing a curling effort that drifted narrowly wide of the far post. Hirakawa nearly had another sight at goal in the 37th minute, but his ambitious effort from 25 yards out clipped the outside of the frame. Otherwise, the Samurai Blue attacked primarily through patient build-up play, recycling possession around the edge of Australia’s box but failing to find the final incision required to unlock a resilient Socceroos defense.
Socceroos’ Resilience Under Intense Pressure
While out-possessed and out-shot, Tony Popovic’s Australia defended resolutely. The back four marshaled by captain Aziz Behich and centre-back duo Cameron Burgess and Milos Degenek remained organized, nullifying Japanese runners in behind. Defensive midfielder Aaron Mooy provided crucial cover, intercepting passes and cutting out channels on the left side of midfield. Despite scarce opportunities going forward, Australia looked dangerous whenever they broke. In the 54th minute, substitute Riley McGree collected the ball just outside the penalty area, jinked past two defenders and fired a low drive that forced a diving save from Japanese goalkeeper Kosei Tani. McGree’s chance represented one of only two efforts Australia managed in the opening hour, but it injected belief that a solitary counter-attack could be enough to snatch victory. Japan responded to the threat by introducing winger Takefusa Kubo in the 65th minute—one of several starters rested in the rotated Japanese lineup. Kubo, a creative spark, flashed a low shot in the 90th minute that clipped the outside of Ryan’s left post, moments before Behich’s fateful strike. Although Japan maintained 69 percent possession by full time and out-shot Australia 13 to 6, the Samurai Blue could not convert dominance into goals.
Key Moment: Behich’s Late-Winner
With seconds remaining on the clock, Australia earned a free kick just outside Japan’s penalty area after a miscue from the Japanese backline. Free-kick specialist Mitch Duke lined up to deliver a cross into the danger zone, but instead, Behich—sliding into position—found himself with space to receive a short pass from Duke. Behich, whose preferred left foot had provided several crucial defensive clearances throughout the match, elected to strike with his right. The veteran fullback struck a curling effort that evaded the outstretched fingertips of goalkeeper Tani, nestling into the top-corner of the net. Upon the referee’s confirmation of a goal, Optus Stadium erupted. Behich sprinted toward the corner flag, arms aloft, before being engulfed by teammates in a scene replayed countless times on giant screens. On the sidelines, head coach Tony Popovic let out a guttural roar, hugging his backroom staff and celebrating a result that few prognosticators had predicted.
Historical Significance: First Win Over Japan in 16 Years
Australia’s victory on Thursday night marked the Socceroos’ first competitive win over Japan since 2009. In the interim, the Samurai Blue had generally dominated the head-to-head record, with several narrow wins in World Cup and Asian Cup qualifying. Yet, by taking maximum points from Asia’s pre-eminent side, Australia sends a clear message that it will be among the continent’s frontrunners heading into the 2026 tournament.
“This is the stuff of dreams,” said captain Behich in a post-match interview. “To score a winning goal after 13 years in the national team, against a side like Japan, in front of our home fans—it doesn’t get any better than this.” Behich’s moment of glory will be spoken of in the same breath as John Aloisi’s penalty in 2005, Josh Kennedy’s crucial strikes, Tim Cahill’s legendary volley and Mile Jedinak’s stoic leadership during past qualifying campaigns.
Impact on Group A Standings and Qualification Scenarios
Prior to kickoff, Australia sat atop Group A with 22 points from eight matches, just one point clear of Saudi Arabia. Japan, who entered with 18 points, needed a win to leapfrog Saudi Arabia and keep their qualification hopes alive. Instead, Behich’s strike leaves Japan on 18 points with one final game to play—against bottom-placed Oman—while Australia will travel to Saudi Arabia next week knowing that a draw will suffice to mathematically seal first place. Should Saudi Arabia defeat Australia in Jeddah, the Green Falcons would finish on 21 points, but Australia would retain a superior goal difference (+8 to +4). Japan, even if victorious over Oman in their last fixture, can only reach 21 points; however, their goal difference (currently +2) would still fall short of overtaking both Australia and Saudi Arabia. In other words, Thursday night’s result all but guarantees that Australia will avoid an intercontinental playoff and punch their ticket directly to North America.
Player Performances and Tactical Observations
– Goalkeeper and Defensive Unit: Mathew Ryan produced a composed display, saving the lone shot on target in the first half and coming off his line decisively to clear a through-ball in the 79th minute. The center-back pairing of Burgess and Degenek remained solid throughout, winning aerial duels and neutralizing Japan’s creative midfield runners. Aziz Behich, despite starting in a primarily defensive role, made the decisive attacking contribution, showcasing his vision and experience in the late stages.
– Midfield Battle: Japan’s midfield trio of Wataru Endō, Yuto Nagatomo and Daisuke Matsui controlled the tempo for extended periods, recycling possession and probing Australia’s shape. Yet, their narrow dominance in midfield did not translate into quality chances. On the Australian side, Mooy and Jackson Irvine worked tirelessly to break up play, while McGree’s introduction in the second half provided fresh legs and attacking impetus.
– Attacking Contributions: Although the Socceroos generated only six total shots, their opportunistic approach—focusing on quick transitions—paid dividends. Forward Riley McGree looked bright off the bench, his 54th-minute effort marking Australia’s clearest chance until Behich’s late strike. Up front, Craig Goodwin and Mitch Duke ran tirelessly on the wings, stretching Japan’s backline and forcing defenders out of position. In contrast, Japan’s attacking quartet—featuring Takefusa Kubo, Yosuke Ideguchi and Yu Hirakawa—failed to capitalize on numerous half-chances. Kubo’s introduction brought renewed energy, but his efforts in the final ten minutes were easily dealt with by an alert Australian defense. Japan’s inability to convert prolonged territorial advantage into goals proved costly.
Reactions: Coach, Players and Supporters
Tony Popovic—who guided the Socceroos to the 2022 World Cup quarterfinals—praised his players for their selfless performance. “We knew Japan would dominate possession,” Popovic reflected after the match. “Our game plan was simple: stay organized, hit them on the counter, and be clinical when the opportunity arose. The boys executed flawlessly.” Aziz Behich, still breathing heavily after his sprint to the corner flag, summed up the mood: “This is a special night for Australian football. Beating Japan in these conditions shows our character. We have one more hurdle in Saudi Arabia, but tonight is all about celebrating this historic win.” Fans in Perth responded with unbridled enthusiasm. Many had arrived at Optus Stadium hours before kickoff, waving oversized green-and-gold flags and singing club anthems. Local bars and pubs spilled into nearby streets prior to the match, while restaurants along Riverside Drive hosted viewing parties. When Behich’s shot rippled the net, the stadium’s pyrotechnics erupted, and supporters embraced in tears of joy. On social media, #Behich and #Socceroos trended nationwide. Former Socceroo Tim Cahill tweeted, “This is why international football is so special. Belief, resilience, perseverance. Huge congrats to the boys and Aziz—what a wonder-goal!” Meanwhile, Japanese fans expressed disappointment but also recognition of Australia’s doggedness. One prominent Japanese journalist wrote, “Tani made several exceptional saves, but our lack of cutting edge in the final third cost us dearly. Australia defended with real steel tonight.”
What Lies Ahead: Final Qualifier and World Cup Prospects
With qualification all but secured, Australia now turns its attention to next week’s trip to Riyadh to face Saudi Arabia—who sit on 19 points after a 2-0 win over China earlier in the day. Saudi Arabia remain in contention for first place, but even if they defeat Australia, their inferior goal difference will leave them in second spot. For the Socceroos, a draw would guarantee top spot, while a defeat might still be acceptable if both Saudi Arabia and Japan fail to overhaul the goal difference standings. Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, host nation status for neighboring New Zealand means Oceania’s automatic qualifier is already decided. Yet, for the Socceroos, this victory represents a chance to begin planning with confidence. Interim squad members—such as McGree, Burgess and Goodwin—will vie for continued roles, while veteran figures like Mathew Leckie and Craig Moore may see one final tournament introduction. Meanwhile, coach Tony Popovic must address fixture congestion, as several key players are set to conclude club seasons in Europe and Asia later this month. Given the depth of young talent emerging—such as teenage midfielder Marco Tilio and versatile wingback Joe Lolley—Australia head into qualification confident. The manner of this victory, against a side ranked No. 23 in the FIFA world rankings (compared to Australia’s No. 29), underlines an ascendant trajectory.
Broader Implications for Asian Football
Beyond Australia’s qualification, Thursday’s result carries ramifications for Asian qualification dynamics. Japan, having lost their first match in Round 3 qualifying since 2016, now face the daunting task of beating bottom-placed Oman in Muscat on 10 June and hoping Saudi Arabia slip up against Australia. Even with a win over Oman, Japan’s path remains precarious due to goal difference. Should they finish third, a two-legged playoff against the fourth-placed Oceania nation (New Zealand) awaits—followed potentially by an intercontinental playoff. For Saudi Arabia, victory over Australia would be a statement of intent. Having reached the knockout stages in 2022, the Green Falcons aim to restore continental supremacy. Their remaining fixtures include away matches against strong opponents (Australia) and home matches against China and Uzbekistan. Meanwhile, Iran—already assured of qualification after Thursday’s 3-0 win over UAE—will finish atop Group B, leaving Australia’s group as the sole battleground for the final Asian playoff spot.
Conclusion: A Night to Remember in Perth
Aziz Behich’s late winner against Japan on 5 June 2025 transcended the sport’s usual rhythms. It was a moment that combined decades of historical context—the Socceroos had not beaten Japan in 16 years—with the instantaneous elation that only late drama can evoke. As confetti rained down on Optus Stadium and fans spilled into Kings Park in jubilation, Australia effectively took one giant leap toward North America’s global stage in 2026. Yet, the journey is not quite complete. One more result stands between the Socceroos and guaranteed qualification. With nerves tempered by newfound confidence, Tony Popovic’s side will head to Jeddah intent on securing top spot. If they do, the Green and Gold will not only return to the World Cup stage but will also arrive as Asia’s Group A champions—having conquered the continent’s benchmark in dramatic fashion. Whether this group can replicate such resilience and flair in Canada, the United States and Mexico remains to be seen. But on this unforgettable night in Perth, Australian football fans learned that anything is possible when belief meets opportunity—and when a veteran defender dares to use his weaker foot at the most opportune moment.
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