**Socceroos Snatch a Point in Japan with 1-1 Draw** Australia managed to secure a valuable point in their World Cup qualifying match against Japan, ending the hosts' impressive streak of nine consecutive wins. The match, held in Saitama, concluded with a 1-1 draw, marked by an own goal from each team. Just three weeks prior, Tony Popovic was appointed as the new coach of the Socceroos, and he emphasized the importance of winning, even if it means doing so in an unglamorous fashion. While Australia didn’t walk away with all three points, the draw felt like a significant achievement, especially considering Japan had not conceded a single goal in their previous nine qualifiers. The Socceroos' performance was characterized by a strong defensive effort, as they managed to secure the draw without registering a single shot on target. “It wasn’t pretty,” remarked Mitch Duke, who recorded Australia’s only shot on target with a misdirected header in the 12th minute. “We knew we had to bunker down, focus on our defensive duties, and match them physically.” In a match that showcased resilience and determination, the Socceroos embraced the challenge and left Saitama with a hard-earned point.