Conclusion

An all-round brilliant defensive performance coupled with enthusiastic counter-attacking from Japan ensured their place at next year’s World Cup.

Not a good night for the Socceroos

Australia know that in order to stand any chance of automatic qualification, they will have to beat Thailand on Tuesday as well as hope for a strong Japanese performance against Saudi Arabia.

Failure on either front could potentially complicate matters further and place Postecoglou’s legacy of effective possession, as well as his position, at risk.