It was a match that demonstrated the Homeless World Cup sentiments of fair play. 

Despite some valiant 'Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi' cheers led by the Welsh team, the Australians had gone down to the Philippines earlier.  

But they finished with a heartfelt 5-4 win over the Japanese team in the last match of the day. 

It was a poignant end to the secondary stage, with both the Australians and the Japanese having endeared themselves to the other teams, officials, and spectators over the preceding days of competition for their on- and off-field conduct. 

While the Japanese haven't exactly been Brazilian in their touches on the ball, their elation at being a part of the event has been infectious, earning them underdog status and support.  

Few other teams would have picked the ball out of the back of the net as frequently and as cheerfully as they have this week, but nor would they have received such loud cheers when they scored a goal. 

The Japanese have returned the sentiment over the week, cheering excitedly for the other teams and high five-ing spectators to thank them for their encouragement.  

One Japanese player who has been sidelined since breaking his arm on day one has instead cheered from behind the goal as well as helping the boisterous Philippines team with their drumming. 

The Street Socceroos have also been recognised for their good sportsmanship, which included the match against Japan. 

Nicole Brennan, who has the dual honour of being the only female as well as the only West Australian team member, started the match, while Ric Oldridge put on the keepers' gloves in order to give Beau Tyson a chance to run. 

Brennan tested the keeper twice early, before Tyson found the back of the net to open both the game's and his own Homeless World Cup campaign scoring.  

The Japanese answered with two goals of their own, forcing the Street Socceroos to work hard to create a second goal. 

It came when Thom Lino backheeled the ball to Tyson who ran onto it, showed patience and foresight to step inside his player to obtain a clear shot, and then equalised. 

The Street Socceroos went 3-2 up early in the second half when Brennan tapped in a near post shot, which also marked her first Homeless World Cup goal.

Brennan, her team mates, and the crowd were ecstatic, with keeper Oldridge even running out-contrary to Homeless World Cup rules, which require keepers to stay within their areas at all times-out of his area to join the impromptu celebrations.  

But the referee grasped the importance and innocence of the moment and allowed the game to continue without penalty. 

Japan equalised and then pulled a goal ahead again, before Lino locked the scores at four apiece with a perfectly placed long-range shot from half way. 

The Japanese keeper parried Lino's next shot before Tyson pounced on the rebound to record a hat trick for the match.  

The Australians held onto the 5-4 lead until full time, then celebrating the victory with an inclusive rendition of Waltzing Matilda and bows to the crowd with their arms interlocked with the Japanese team's.  

The celebrations continued off the court, with the Street Socceroos cheering and clapping and even starting a water fight with their coach, George Halkias, and support crew. 

They will now compete with Cambodia, Croatia, Ivory Coast, Kazakhstan, Japan, Belgium, and Spain for the INSP Networking Trophy. 

Nigeria, Mexico, Ireland, Portugal, Ghana, Ukraine, Brazil, and Poland are still in contention for the Homeless World Cup.