The Socceroos have taken a big step towards next year's World Cup football finals by pinching a point from a scoreless draw with Japan.
Under crushing pressure for long periods, the Australians defending resolutely and rode their luck to maintain their two-point lead at the top of their Asian qualifying group.
With three of their remaining four matches at home, Australia could finish top of Group One, and qualifly directly for South Africa, while Japan are still reasonably well placed to qualify.
In the other Asian group North Korea boosted their chances of reaching their first World Cup finals in 44 years with a 1-nil win over Saudi Arabia in Pyongyang. The North Koreans are in second place one point behind South Korea.
