Furuhashi helps Japan shoot down Socceroos

Celtic forward Kyogo Furuhashi came off the bench as Japan earned themselves a vital win in World Cup qualifying with a 2-1 triumph over Australia.

The park head favourite was introduced in the 61st minute with his side leading 1-0 thanks to an early drilled finish from Ao Tanaka.

After ajdinh rustic smashed in a terrific equaliser off the underside of the crossbar, Furuhashi had the opportunity to retake the lead but couldn’t covert.

However, he made up for his profligacy by putting pressure on Aziz Behich as the defender tried to clear from his own goal-line, only to completely fluff his attempt as it rolled into the back of the net.

Furuhashi’s Celtic teammate Tom Rogic started for the visitors. The midfielder set up Adam Taggert for a shot which was pushed onto the post. The playmaker also missed an excellent opportunity when presented with a sight at goal shortly before Furuhashi’s introduction.

Australia made amends for their missed opportunities when they grabbed an equaliserin bizarre but spectacular fashion.

After originally giving a free kick, referee Abdulrahman Al-jassim pointed to the spot following Hidemasa Morita’s foul on Hrustic. Hibs star Martin boy le was all set to take the penalty before VAR intervened, giving a free-kick right on the edge of the area instead. It all became academic when H rustic flashed in an excellent strike from the set-piece.

The result ends Australia’s 100 per cent record after four games, while it moves Japan three points behind the Socceroos and fellow Group B leaders Saudi Arabia.