Caltex Socceroos skipper Mile Jedinak said the Australians weren’t sluggish but got sucked into Japan’s defensive game plan which largely stifled the free-flowing Australians.
After being stung by an early Japan goal in the first half the Socceroos hit back in the second stanza.
And despite a strong finish, the Green and Gold couldn’t find a winner against a Japan side that blunted Australia for most of the night courtesy of a very solid defensive performance.
Caltex Socceroos defied by Japan to earn point
“A game of two halves,” the Australian skipper told Fox Sports who described the Japan goal in the opening five minutes as like being hit by a sucker punch.
“We were trying to force things but once we got settled into the game and being patient and they sat back really deep and didn’t apply too much pressure.
“And at half time we were told to have a reaction and we regrouped and it looked like only one team winning the game.
"Unfortunately we couldn’t get that second goal.”
The Australians were forced by Japan into playing a slower game, said Jedinak, in a game plan that was very unlike Japan of recent years.
“I don’t think we were sluggish. I think we got sucked into a trap, maybe a little naivety from our point of view.
“It was a mistake [Japan's first goal] and we’re going to have to rectify that,” added the Aston Villa man of the opening goal.
“But it’s a point gained and onto the game next month.”
The Caltex Socceroos head to Bangkok in mid November to face Thailand.