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QATAR 2022: AUSTRALIA SUFFER FIRST DEFEAT

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Australiasuffered their first defeat in the third round of the Asian qualifiers ahead of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup tournament following the 2-1 loss to Japan. The Australians suffered a first defeat in four qualifying games at the hands of Japan. Australia had a perfect record in Group B before the trip to the Saitama Stadium 2002 in Saitama.


Ao Tanaka gave hosts Japan an early lead to set the ball rolling. Tanaka gave Japan the lead on eight minutes and they held on to the advantage until the final twenty minutes when AdjinHrustic levelled proceedings for the Socceroos.Japan had the last laugh with five minutes left on the clock when Aziz Behich put through his own net. The own goal from Behich gave Japan the three points on offer.

Japan got the better of Australia in one of the fourth round of games in Group B.In one of other two games, Saudi Arabia maintained their perfect start in the group with a thrilling 3-2 win at home toChina PR. Sami Al-Najei was the hero for the Saudi Arabians after he scored two first half goals to lead his team to a victory that takes them closer to the World Cup tournament billed for the end of next year. In the final group game, Oman came from behind to beat Vietnam 3-1 at home.
After the latest round of results in the group, Saudi Arabia have established a three-point lead ahead of their meeting next month. Australia have the chance to close the gap when they host the Saudi Arabians at the Western Sydney Stadium in Sydney.
Saudi Arabia have 12 points from four games and they sit at the top of the group, while Australia are in second place with nine points from four games. Oman and Japan are in third and fourth place with six points each. China and Vietnam are in fifth and sixth place with three points and zero point respectively.

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