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Tommy Oar gave Australia the lead wih only a few minutes let on the clock when he flighted in a tricky cross that beat everyone to find the far corner of the goal with what looked like the winner.

But Japan - who had dominated for almost the entire match without reward - were gifted an equalising spot kick in the dying seconds of the game when Matt McKay handled in the box.

The result ensured Japan had booked their place at Rio for Brazil 2014, but still leaves the Socceroos needing not to lose their last two games of the campaign against Jordan and Iraq over the next fortnight.

But Osieck took heart from the result and insisted th Socceroos were unlucky to lose despite being on the backfoot for most of the game.

'I'd like to give credit to the boys - I think we played an excellent game today," said Osieck at full-time. "Whatever we discussed before the game, I think the gameplan went pretty well.

"We were very solid as a defensive unit and we played quick out, we had a lot of pace in our game. I think all in all, it was a great performance.

"I have to admit before the game, the point would have been good - but when you are that close and then the circumstances went a little bit against us on a penalty, that draw is a little bit disappointing.

"We worked very diligently, very concentrated and the spirit in the group was good. Everyone was convinced we could get a result here so the entire team spirit, the entire team approach was very positive and I think the performance tonight showed it.

"I think our defensive structure was very good and they are quick - quick sort pass combination - you canot stop them 100 percent but I think the boys did very well and kept them away and Mark Schwarzer had some good saves as well.

"I think all in all our defensive performance was good."

Osieck said the Socceroos would now turn their whole attention on Australia's date with Jordan in Melbourne next Tuesday, boosted by tonight's result.

"The focus was on this game here," he said. "Now the next game comes up and we will be focused on Jordan.

"We'll know what to do and I'm pretty sure that despite the draw here, the players will get a lot of confidence to win that home game."

Socceroos skipper Lucas Neill added: "Before the game, you'd take a point but the way the game panned out, I thought we were outstanding tonight.

"We probably just deserved to get the three points but it's a bitter pill to swallow to concede a penalty at the death after such a terrific, disciplined defensive performance.

"We've been working hard on being compact, making sure we covered each other, tucked in, made the game narrow.

"We knew this is fantastic team we're playing against and a tough place to come and get points. We'd have been delighted with the three but it sets us up nicely with one."

He said he was confident the Socceroos can now go on and get the job done.

"But we need Australia behind us, " he said. "Look at this crowd tonight - that kept their team going, probably gave them that goal at the end.

"We need that. Australia nees to go to Brazil. We need our fans."

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