MARK SCHWARZER: RATING: 7 - Was naturally disappointed to concede his first goal of the final group stage of qualifying - after being beaten by a 40th-minute header from Japanese defender Tulio Tanaka - but he was not at fault for the goal. Was his usual authoritative self in goal and made a crucial save in the 88th minute to preserve the Socceroos' lead.

RHYS WILLIAMS: RATING: 6 - The 20-year-old made his debut at right-back and looked nervous at times and occasionally gave the ball away. But he was also confident enough to make some good runs and certainly had plenty of possession. Will face a tough battle to make the final World Cup squad but did enough on his debut to suggest he has a future.

LUCAS NEILL: RATING: 8 - Another outstanding game from the Socceroos captain. Almost set up Tim Cahill for an early goal and although questions will be asked as to the team's marking for Japan's goal, which came from a corner, Neill was an assured presence and made several crucial tackles and interceptions in the second half.

JADE NORTH: RATING: 7 - Is involved in a three-way battle with veteran Craig Moore and Chris Coyne to be Neill's central defensive partner at next year's World Cup finals but did his hopes no harm with an assured performance on Wednesday night, although like Neill could be held responsible for Japan's goal due to slack marking.

SHANE STEFANUTTO: RATING: 6 - The 29-year-old left-back came in for only his second cap and his first in two years and was solid without being spectacular.

NICKY CARLE: RATING: 7 - Got a rare start in the absence of Harry Kewell and was disappointing in the first half but showed his class and skill in the second half as he played a key role in the Socceroos' comeback. It was his shot, which led to the corner, for Cahill's winning goal and it was Carle himself who delivered that same corner which Cahill tapped in for Australia's second.

JASON CULINA: RATING: 6 - Was his usual unobtrusive self and protected Australia's back four as he always does but did not do a lot going forward.

VINCE GRELLA: RATING: 8 - Australia's midfield workhorse never stopped running and trying to lift the team in a difficult first half and then set up Australia's equaliser with a superb free-kick, which Cahill headed home. Remains one of the Socceroos' most important players.

MILE STERJOVSKI: RATING: 7 - Until Cahill turned the game, he was the only Australian player that looked like scoring and had several good chances but luck deserted him. Remains probably Australia's most underrated player and should be a certainty in our final World Cup squad next year.

TIM CAHILL: RATING: 9 - Has there ever been a better big game player than this bloke for the Socceroos? Repeated his heroics against Japan at the 2006 World Cup Finals by again scoring twice against the Blue Samurai to yet again guide Australia to a come-from-behind victory against their greatest rivals. With 16 goals from 34 appearances, he is one of Australia's greatest players and holds the key to our fate in South Africa. Only let himself down after the game when he refused to share his thoughts on his performance.

JOSH KENNEDY: RATING: 6 - Worked hard but was starved of opportunities in the first half and then overshadowed by Cahill in the second. Still a key figure in Pim Verbeek's plans.

JACOB BURNS: RATING: 3 - Came on as a substitute in the 78th minute and did his job.

DARIO VIDOSIC: RATING: 3 - Made his debut as a late sub but did not have much time to show his wares.