Japan draws with Australia in World Cup qualifying

Sporting midfielder played 90 minutes in a game marked by two own goals

Japan , with Morita as captain, drew this Tuesday against Australia ( 1-1), in the 4th round of group C of the 2nd qualifying phase for the 2026 World Cup.

The first half was dominated by Japan , who had 71% possession and had six shots, against one from the Australians who, in the second half, in the 58th minute, took the lead in an unfortunate play for Shogo Taniguchi, who, when trying to clear the ball, ended up betraying his goalkeeper, Zion Suzuk, after a cross from Lewis Miller.

The Japanese did not let themselves be shaken, they continued to target the goal guarded by Joe Gauci, and ended up seeing Cameron Burgess score an own goal when he tried to clear the ball, after an excellent play by Keito Nakamura .

It should be noted that Morita , Sporting ‘s midfielder , played the full 90 minutes.

Japan leads Group C with 10 points, after three wins and one draw, having scored 15 goals and conceded just one. Australia is in second place with five points (one win, two draws and one defeat), having scored four goals and conceded three.