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 It was an unapologetically dour and defensive performance from the Socceroos, who spent much of the 90 minutes camped in their own half repelling a determined and varied Japanese attack.

The composure of Mark Schwarzer and experience of defensive pairing Craig Moore and Lucas Neill ensured Australia stays two points clear on top of the group at the halfway stage, while Pim Verbeek has further enhanced his reputation as the master of pragmatism.

Australia now has three wins and a draw from four matches and is yet to concede a goal. In fact it has now been 534 minutes since Australia conceded a goal at international level. Japan has two wins and two draws and while it is still well-placed to progress from the group and qualify for South Africa, the result may have serious ramifications for the future of coach Takeshi Okada.

Japan showed more enterprise in a cautious start to the game from both sides and on four minutes Keiji Tamada should have done better than hit the side-netting from Tatsuya Tanaka's cross.

Pim Verbeek's pre-match request that Shunsuke Nakamura not be given free kicks within range appeared to fall on deaf ears and the Celtic playmaker had four dead-ball opportunities in the first half. The second, on 21 minutes, came closest, deflecting off the wall and forcing Schwarzer to back peddle and grab the ball while falling over.

Australia's sloppy start was compounded by bookings to Scott Chipperfield and Luke Wilkshire inside the first 25 minutes, with the Roos' defence under pressure to contain the speedy Japanese attack, especially down the left.

The Socceroos' best opportunity at goal in first half came when a long free kick forced a goalmouth scramble, but the two chances fell to defenders in Moore and Neill, and a hurried Japan defence got the ball away. Tim Cahill then belted a long shot straight at goalkeeper Ryota Tsuzuki on the stroke of half-time.

A sluggish start to the second half from the home side allowed Australia to dictate play for the first time in the match. Despite some promising passing manoeuvres, the Socceroos lacked the spirit of adventure to press forward in numbers and there was little to concern the Japanese defence.

The contrast in the approach of the two teams was evident when Japan gained a hold of the game on the hour. They bombarded Schwarzer's box repeatedly, with the composure of Neill and Moore preventing any serious threat on Australia's goal.

Holman, booked for a desperate challenge after turning over the ball, was replaced by Richard Garcia. It was Japan's substitute, Yoshito Okubo, who had the chance though with his shot on the turn forcing a comfortable but diving save from Schwarzer on 65 minutes.

Then, in the best chance of the match to that point, Yasuhito Endo unleashed a bullet from the top of the box and the Australian keeper could only parry it over the bar.

Japan was building a case for a goal and Schwarzer's strength under the ball was crucial as he cut off several promising Japanese attacks. Yuto Nagatomo found Tamada with a cross, but the striker could only head over.

The best late chance fell to Japan on the counter attack, with Makoto Hasebe latching on to Uchida's cross, but Okubo got in the way of the goal-bound effort much to the Australians' relief.

Josh Kennedy's late cameo almost produced spectacular result, but the giant striker's headed effort was thwarted by Tulio Tanaka.

Japan 0
Australia 0
in Yokohama

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