'Just needed a hero': World Cup 'fairytale' all but secured as Aziz Behich scores late winner for Socceroos
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Aziz Behich has become the hero that all but booked Australia's ticket to the 2026 World Cup by nailing a late goal to end a 16-year winless streak against Japan.
Only a shockingly heavy defeat to third-placed Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on Tuesday could now keep Australia off the plane to the US, Canada and Mexico.
Saudi Arabia's 2-0 win over Bahrain hours after the massive Socceroos result kept a glimmer of hope alive for the Middle East kingdom, which hosts Australia in the last match of the qualifiers on Tuesday.
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Australia goes into the match – effectively a playoff for that final qualification spot – needing only a win or a draw to guarantee a World Cup spot.
Even a win by any fewer than five goals would not be enough for Saudi Arabia, thanks to Australia's commanding lead on goal difference.
Tony Popovic's undefeated record as head coach of the Socceroos was extended on Thursday night as Behich fired a shot into the back of the net in the 90th minute.
Riley McGree pulled off a lovely turn on the edge of the box before setting up the Melbourne City defender, who struck the ball past the goalkeeper to ignite the West Australian crowd.
"You can not write the script, wow," Simon Hill called in commentary on 10.
"Perhaps, he has just sent his country to the World Cup. The Australian fairytale, which for so long tonight did not look very likely.
Andy Harper added: "Sometimes you just need a hero, and tonight it is Aziz Behich."
Aziz Behich celebrates during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round Three AFC Asian Qualifier. Getty
The goal marked the first time since 2021 that Japan have recorded a loss in a World Cup qualifying match, with their last loss coming to Saudi Arabia.
Roars echoed around Optus Stadium as the Socceroos celebrated their goal, although their World Cup ticket will not be confirmed until Tuesday.
"It hasn't quite sunk in just yet but when that final whistle went it was a great feeling," Behich told 10 post-match.
"The boss said at half-time, "No matter how tough it gets, we will get our opportunity if we get to it." Fortunately enough it fell to me and my right foot."
Aziz Behich reacts after scoring a goal against Japan. Getty
More than 57,000 fans filled the stands in Perth hoping to witness the Socceroos book their ticket to the World Cup, in what was a nervous match for all watching on.
Japan sent a clear message to the hosts about who would be in control from the first touch as Australia was left battling to escape its own half.
The visitors tried seven shots in the first half in comparison to Australia's two, although only Yuito Suzuki's shot in the 26th minute was fired on target.
The 23-year-old midfielder darted through the middle before making an attempt from just outside the box to curl the ball into the top corner, but it floated wide.
"Japan's most dangerous moment yet. The first real scare for Australia," Simon Hill said in commentary on 10.
"They are really struggling to keep hold of the ball. It is just relentless from Japan."
Connor Metcalfe looked to send the ball into the net shortly after, although a sensational delivery from Ryan Teague saw the Aussie's ball shift right of the outside goalpost.
An animated Tony Popovic on the sidelines could not change the momentum of the first half as the Blue Samuari continued to dominate with the ball.
"I can't see them surviving with a similar output in the second half," retired footballer Andy Harper said.
Two changes for Australia and a mistake by Japan's goalkeeper Kosei Tani saw an opportunity open for the hosts earlier in the second half, but no goal was found.
Yki hashi of Japan reacts after a missed shot. Getty
Yuki Ohashi passed two defenders to put a shot in from the edge of the box but it was collected and cleared out by Australia's Mat Ryan.
Australia's defence remained on high alert in the final 10 minutes as Japan launched a series of unsuccessful attacking displays from close range towards the net.
But a sensational strike from Behich, followed by a nervy couple of minutes in added time, sealed the result of the match.
