Japan boss Vahid Halilhodzic was under heavy pressure prior to the match, despite the fact that his team were already sitting in first position.

The Blue Samurai were very well organised throughout, with a clear plan to force errors and launch subsequent counter attacks evident from the outset.

Halilhodzic took huge risks with his team selection, dropping stars such as the legendary Keisuke Honda, Dortmund-based Shinji Kagawa and Premier League winner Okazaki to the bench.

Gen Shoji was given his sixth cap next to Southampton’s Maya Yoshida, lining up next to the experienced Yuto Nagatomo, who began the game at left back.

Makoto Hasebe earned his 106th cap for the Blue Samurai, starting in midfield behind forwards Asano, Inui and Osako, who have scored eleven international goals between them.

Formations and player movement tendencies

Ange Postecoglou continued with the system which has been the brunt of much public ire in recent times, picking Spiranovic and Milligan either side of Trent Sainsbury.

Brad Smith contentiously started on the left flank, with in-form Mat Leckie opposite. Hull City-bound Jackson Irvine lined up in midfield with Luongo, Troisi and Rogic.

Perhaps the biggest risk was to start Robbie Kruse up front, who was widely lambasted post-game for his performance in front of goal.