Moriyasu frustrated after Australia ends Japan’s winning run in world cup qualifier

Japan’s head coach, Hajime Moriyasu, expressed his frustration after his team’s winning streak in the World Cup qualifying campaign came to an end with a 1-1 draw against Australia. The match, held at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium on Tuesday, saw Japan’s dominance in the qualifiers halted, leaving Moriyasu disappointed with the result and his team’s performance.

Japan’s Winning Streak Snapped

Japan entered the match on a high, having won all of their previous qualifiers in the group stage, and were expected to secure another victory. Moriyasu’s men had displayed impressive form throughout the campaign, with a blend of defensive solidity and attacking flair, and were widely seen as one of Asia’s strongest teams heading into the 2026 World Cup.

However, Australia, playing in front of their home fans, proved to be a formidable opponent. The Socceroos came into the match needing a result to boost their own qualifying hopes, and they put in a gritty performance to hold the Blue Samurai to a 1-1 draw. Despite Japan’s early dominance and control over possession, Australia’s resilience and tactical discipline frustrated Moriyasu’s side.

Japan took the lead in the 24th minute through a well-taken goal by Takuma Asano, who capitalized on a defensive mistake by the Australian backline. Japan looked comfortable after going ahead, but Australia gradually grew into the game and equalized in the 68th minute with a header from Harry Souttar off a set piece. The goal marked a rare lapse in concentration for Japan, who had been solid defensively throughout the qualifiers.

Moriyasu’s Frustration with Performance

Speaking to the media after the match, Moriyasu expressed his disappointment, particularly with his team’s inability to maintain control in the second half. “It’s frustrating because we had the game in our hands, but we allowed them to come back,” Moriyasu said. “We needed to be more clinical in front of goal and more disciplined in defense. This result is a reminder that we cannot afford to lose focus, especially against a strong team like Australia.”

Moriyasu also pointed to missed opportunities, as Japan created several chances but failed to convert. “We had enough chances to score a second goal and put the game beyond their reach, but we weren’t sharp enough. We have to improve in those moments if we want to be successful at the highest level,” he added.

Despite the setback, Moriyasu maintained that Japan remained well-positioned in their qualifying campaign. With the draw, Japan still sits at the top of their group, though the result leaves them with less breathing room ahead of their upcoming matches. “We are still in a good position, but we have to learn from this game and move forward. Every match is a test, and this was a wake-up call,” Moriyasu concluded.

For Japan, the draw serves as a reminder that no match can be taken lightly in the World Cup qualifiers. Moriyasu’s side will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next fixture. With several key players in top form, Japan will be looking to bounce back and secure qualification in the remaining matches.

Moriyasu’s frustration is evident, but he remains focused on the ultimate goal: securing Japan’s spot at the 2026 World Cup and preparing his team to compete at the highest level.