Tim Cahill inflicted more World Cup misery on Japan with a second-half double as Australia came from behind to claim a 2-1 win in their final qualifier for next year's World Cup finals on Wednesday.
Both teams had already secured berths in South Africa but Cahill, who scored twice as Australia went on a late three-goal rampage in their opening 3-1 win against Japan at the 2006 World Cup, struck in the 59th and 76th minutes to ensure the Socceroos claimed bragging rights in Asian Group A.
"It's a shame," said Japan coach Takeshi Okada. "The players did well but we weren't able to deal with their high balls from set pieces.
"I think we are moving forward but there is only a year left now until the World Cup. We don't have much time and we have to continue raising our game."