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Socceroos draw in Yokohama

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11 February 2009 | 23:14 - AAP

On the attack ... Scott Chipperfield (right) tries to get past Japan's Makoto Hasebe (Getty Images)

The Socceroos have picked a point from Japan's pockets with a 0-0 draw in Yokohama, tightening Australia's grip on a place at next year's World Cup finals in South Africa.


VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: Socceroos keep Japan at bay

POST MATCH REACTION: Verbeek and the Socceroos talk to TWG's Vitor Sobral in Yokohama

PHOTO GALLERY: All the action from Yokohama in pics

Under huge pressure for long periods, the Socceroos somehow dodged bullet after Japanese bullet 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 on a chilly night at Nissan Stadium puts them on 10 points and within touching distance of wrapping up a top two spot in Group One and ensuring direct qualification for South Africa.

While they defended resolutely, Australia can thank Japan's lack of cutting edge in front of goal in large part for their nervy draw.

The tone was set early, as the Socceroos gave away three free-kicks in dangerous positions around the box and created little in the way of attack.

But Japan couldn't capitalise - Shunsuke Nakamura and Yasuhito Endo unable to find a way to trouble Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer with pop-gun set pieces.

Wastefulness and waywardness in the final third became continuing themes for Japan, even as the home team smothered Australia like a wet blanket throughout the second half as the majority of the 65,571 fans roared them on.

Their best chance came in the 70th minute, when Endo's bullet from 20-metres was brilliantly saved by Schwarzer.

Eight minutes later, striker Keiji Tamada couldn't direct a point-blank header under the bar, allowing Australia to escape again.

It became clear it wasn't going to be Japan's night with five minutes remaining when Makoto Hasebe's goal-bound shot cannoned off Yoshito Okubo in front of goal, and bounced away with Schwarzer looking beaten.

Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek was delighted with the result.

"It is nice to see with basically no preparation that defensively we did very well," he told FoxSports.

"We couldn't hold the ball, especially the last 15 or 20 minutes, we lost the ball a little bit easily and that is why we came under pressure.

"But I think 0-0 away to Japan is a great result."

He singled out Scott Chipperfield, Lucas Neill, Craig Moore and Vince Grella for their work in thwarting the Japanese attack.

"The reality that we did not have any preparation but we saw how professional the players were even with the eight hours' time difference they were very tired.

"I think they deserve a big compliment."

Verbeek refused to say that Australia had one foot on the plane to South Africa.

"No we still have to wait," he said. "But we have a great game coming up at ANZ Stadium against Uzbekistan (April 1), that is a big game."

Despite failing to grab all three points, Japan are on eight points and remain in a reasonable position to secure World Cup qualification.

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