### Socceroos Celebrate Historic Victory Over Japan, Nearing World Cup Qualification - The Australian national soccer team, known as the Socceroos, achieved a significant milestone by defeating Japan 1-0 in Perth, marking their first victory over the Japanese team since 2009. This win places Australia on the brink of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a crucial step in their soccer journey. The match was highlighted by a dramatic last-minute goal from Aziz Behich, which not only secured the win but also ignited celebrations among the 57,226 fans in attendance [https://www.business-standard.com/sports/football-news/australia-beats-second-string-japan-on-brink-of-2026-wc-qualification-125060501255_1.html][https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/late-behich-strike-puts-australia-brink-world-cup-5167736]. ### Breakdown of the Socceroos' Victory and World Cup Prospects 1. **Match Overview**: - Australia faced Japan in a tense match where Aziz Behich scored the decisive goal in the 90th minute, leading to a 1-0 victory [https://www.afr.com/companies/sport/behich-stunner-set-to-become-iconic-socceroos-moment-20250606-p5m5d7]. 2. **Significance of the Win**: - This victory is particularly notable as it marks Australia's first win against Japan in over a decade, enhancing their confidence as they approach World Cup qualification [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/sports-games/3448502-behichs-last-minute-heroics-propel-australia-closer-to-world-cup-glory]. 3. **Upcoming Challenges**: - Following this victory, the Socceroos will face a challenging match against Saudi Arabia in Jeddah, which will be critical for their qualification campaign [https://au.news.yahoo.com/popovic-delivers-special-message-japan-003658351.html]. ### Key Metrics and Highlights from the Match - **Final Score**: Australia 1 - 0 Japan - **Winning Goal**: Scored by Aziz Behich in the 90th minute - **Attendance**: 57,226 fans witnessed the match in Perth - **Historical Context**: First win against Japan since 2009, enhancing Australia's World Cup qualification hopes [https://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/sports/soccer/australia-beats-second-string-japan-to-reach-brink-of-2026-world-cup-qualification/article_d91bb4c3-b696-557b-a050-25932ed99840.html][https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/sports-games/3448657-aussies-last-minute-triumph-world-cup-dream-intensifies]. ### Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for Australian Soccer - **Major Conclusion**: The Socceroos' victory over Japan is a pivotal moment in their quest for World Cup qualification, showcasing their resilience and skill on the field. 1. The last-minute goal by Aziz Behich not only secured the win but also revitalized the team's aspirations for the upcoming World Cup. 2. This victory serves as a confidence booster as they prepare for their next match against Saudi Arabia, which will be crucial for their qualification journey. 3. The historical significance of this win against Japan adds to the narrative of Australian soccer's growth and competitiveness on the international stage [https://www.afr.com/companies/sport/behich-stunner-set-to-become-iconic-socceroos-moment-20250606-p5m5d7][https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/sports-games/3448502-behichs-last-minute-heroics-propel-australia-closer-to-world-cup-glory].