It was all Japan in the opening stages, but despite its first-half dominance, it struggled to create an opening, with only Ritsu Doan testing Joe Gauci.

Australia, whose only shot came in the seventh minute, took the lead against the run of play – Lewis Miller's low cross was turned into the back of the net by Shogo Taniguchi.

Japan got its own slice of luck in the 76th minute though, as Keito Nakamura weaved his way down the left to the byline before pulling it back into the middle, and Gauci could not keep out Burgess's attempted block.

The host side pushed for a late winner, but Australia sat deep to protect what could prove a crucial point against another of Asia's best teams.

It was far from a classic, with both teams offering little in terms of attacking threat. In fact, Australia did not manage a single shot on target, only logging one overall. 

Taniguchi's own goal is the fourth that Australia has benefitted from in 2024, while only in 2018 have they ever recorded more such goals (five).