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The Socceroos are within touching distance of the World Cup finals following a scoreless draw with their toughest qualification rivals Japan.
They can book a ticket to South Africa next year with victory in their next match in Sydney.
Under crushing pressure for long periods, the Socceroos somehow dodged bullet after Japanese bullet to pinch a point at Yokohama’s Nissan Stadium on Wednesday night.
They defended resolutely and rode their luck in equal parts to maintain their two-point lead at the top of their Asian qualifying group.
With three of their remaining four World Cup qualifiers at home, Australia’s vital away point brings them a step closer to wrapping up a top two spot in Group One and ensuring direct qualification for South Africa.
And their task may have been made easier by Uzbekistan’s shock 1-0 home loss to Bahrain in the other Group One qualifier.
The Uzbeks are now effectively out of the running for direct qualification, and have only pride to play for against the Socceroos at ANZ Stadium on April 1.
Coach Pim Verbeek declared his side had taken a big step towards the World Cup finals with the draw against Japan.
“We are six points ahead (of third place) with four games to go – we made a big step today,” Verbeek said.
“I am very pleased. We are still not qualified but we made a big step and our next game at home, we will have at least one week of preparation.”
Australia’s disciplined defence was pivotal as they had to dig in for much of the match.
But Japan’s wastefulness and waywardness in the final third was costly, even as the home team pressured Australia relentlessly throughout the second half roared on by more than 65,000 fans.
Japan’s best chance came in the 70th minute, when midfielder Yasuhito Endo’s bullet from 20-metres was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.
Eight minutes later, striker Keiji Tamada couldn’t direct a point-blank header under the bar when he should have done better.
It became clear it wasn’t going to be Japan’s night with five minutes remaining when Makoto Hasebe’s goalbound shot cannoned off Yoshito Okubo in front of goal and bounced away with Schwarzer looking beaten.
Verbeek admitted the performance wasn’t brilliant but was thrilled with a result which keeps his side unbeaten in this stage of qualifying, not having conceded a goal in their four matches.
“We didn’t deserve to win this game, we have to be honest about that. I think 0-0 was the maximum (we could have expected),” Verbeek said.
“The last 20 to 25 minutes we started to get a little bit tired, Japan started to be more dangerous. I am pleased with my 0-0.”
Despite failing to grab all three points, Japan still remain in a reasonable position to secure World Cup qualification.
They stay second on eight points – four clear of Bahrain and Qatar.
Japan coach Takeshi Okada was pleased with his side’s quality of football and while disappointed not to win, said the draw was “a precious point”.
“We made chances and played the kind of soccer we have been looking to play but unfortunately we were unable to get the win we were looking for,” he said.
AAP gh/gjw
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