Honda was strong throughout Tuesday night's World Cup Qualifier which included an assist to Genki Haraguchi to get his side up 1-0 in the fifth minute.

Honda said there was a genuine rivalry between the two nations nand believed Japan could learn from the involvement of A-League players in the Socceroos squad.

“They succeeded, they changed the generation two years ago when they played in the World Cup, they grew many players in the last two years, beside the Japan national team we still need to grow our young players,” Honda told FourFourTwo.

“We also got some young players, so they changed the game and I expect they should be the big players in the future, so we are waiting for that.”

Honda said Japan intentionally let Australia have all the possession as the Socceroos struggled to break the defence down or find any rhythm with their passing.

Following a poor first half, the Socceroos managed to equalise in the second stanza through a penalty which captain Mile Jedinak converted.

Honda said they his side was content, but felt they could have won the game.

“Unfortunately I didn’t expect that penalty they scored, it’s okay and I think I should be satisfied,” he said.

“I think it was a penalty, it was just a silly mistake.

“We are more defensible, they’re very aggressive and it was a tight game I think, we should be satisfied for a good result today because they played a better second half.

“Today we decided that kind of tactics (sitting off the ball) before the game we know they have good players for those positions.”