Japan and Australia played out a low-scoring 1-1 draw in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday. Shogo Taniguchi struck an own goal for the Socceroos after 58 minutes to put them in front, but interestingly, Australian defender Cameron Burgess put the ball into his own net another 18 minutes later to make it 1-1 for the Samurai Blues. With 10 points in four games, the Far East side are at the top of the table in Group C, with Australia behind in second place with five. Here are the player ratings:
Japan National Football Team Player Ratings vs Australia
Goalkeeper
Zion Suzuki – 7
Thanks to Australia’s uncharacteristically toothless display, Suzuki didn’t have to make a single save in the match.
Defenders
Ko Itakura – 7
Fought hard for possession and impeded Australia’s movements with perfectly-timed interventions.
Shogo Taniguchi – 6.5
Exceptionally strong in the air and passed the ball around superbly too, but scored an own goal to put the Socceroos in front shortly into the second half.
Koki Machida – 7
Made three interceptions and won five aerial duels; manned the Japanese defense with great aplomb.
Midfielders
Ritsu Doan – 5.5
Disappointing outing for the big man who struggled to get involved.
Ao Tanaka – 6.5
Was crucial to building momentum with his prolific distribution skills.
Hidemasa Morita – 7.5
The Japanese skipper left everything on the field today, defending with all the valiance and pushing his side forward with tremendous aggression.
Kaoru Mitoma – 7
Plucked the ball off Australian players with his precocious ball-winning capability but looked sloppy in possession.
Forwards
Takefusa Kubo – 8.5
Astonishing shift from the diminutive forward, who laid a staggering 12 crosses as well as four key passes.
Takumi Minamino – 6
Minimal involvement from the former Liverpool player.
Ayase Ueda – 6.5
Couldn’t really trouble the Australian defense despite getting plenty of service.
Substitutes
Junya Ito – 6.5
Posed a danger with his dribbling skills and laid plenty of crosses too.
Daichi Kamada – 5
Not much involvement really.
Keito Nakamura – 6.5
Injected plenty of flair and panache into Japan’s offense.
Koki Ogawa – N/A
Didn’t really have much time.
Manager
Hajime Moriyasu – 6
His side completely lacked the attacking instincts they’ve otherwise displayed in the qualifier campaign so far.
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Australia National Football Team Player Ratings vs Japan
Goalkeeper
Joe Gauci – 6.5
The Socceroos custodian made three saves in the game but was ultimately let down by his own teammate Cameron Burgess, who struck an own goal.
Defenders
Jason Geria – 7.5
With five clearances, one blocked shot and two interceptions, it’s safe to say Geria had a solid game.
Harry Souttar – 7
Made nine clearances and four interceptions, while also completing 96% of his passes.
Cameron Burgess – 5
Looked shaky in defense at times and even scored into their own net to allow Japan back into the match.
Midfielders
Lewis Miller – 5
Struggled to win his duels and looked sloppy in possession.
Luke Brattan – 5
A total non-factor for much of the game.
Jackson Irvine – 7
Expert at regaining possession, strong in the air, and clinical with tackles.
Jordan Bos – 5
Lacked the pace to match his opposite numbers while also not putting enough effort to change that.
Forwards
Ajdin Hrustic – 6
Kept biting at the heels of the Japanese players for possession, but couldn’t offer a direct threat.
Mitchell Duke – 4
Mustered one shot and that was off target.
Riley McGree – 4.5
Was off for much of the game, completing the disappointing trio of Australian frontline.
Substitutes
Patrick Yazbek – 5.5
Passed the ball around well to help his side maintain momentum.
Aziz Behich – 5
It was as if the match flew by him, and Bechich was a mere bystander.
Nishan Velupillay – 5
Not much of an impact at either ends of the field.
Keanu Baccus – N/A
Couldn’t get involved much in the proceedings.
Craig Goodwin – N/A
Not enough time to make an impact.
Manager
Tony Popovic – 6
A completely toothless display from his side in the attack tonight.
FAQs
What was the result of Japan vs Australia?
The result of Japan vs Australia was a 1-1 draw.
When was Japan vs Australia?
Japan vs Australia was on Tuesday, 15th October 2024.
Who was the man of the match in Japan vs Australia?
The man of the match in Japan vs Australia was Hidemasa Morita.