YOKOHAMA — A disciplined defensive performance from Australia frustrated Japan's attempts to jump to the top of Asian World Cup qualifying Group A on Wednesday night as the Socceroos held Takeshi Okada's men to a 0-0 draw.
Japan dominated the match in front of 65,571 at International Stadium Yokohama, but an Australian defense marshaled by Lucas Neill and Craig Moore thwarted a series of dangerous attacking moves by the home side.
Wasteful finishing also played its part in Japan's failure to break the deadlock, and a late 1-0 win for Bahrain over Uzbekistan later on Wednesday keeps up the pressure on Okada's side despite a four-point cushion in second place.