AFC World Cup qualifying wrap: Japan held in Australia

12 June 2012 20:43

Australia came from behind to draw 1-1 with Japan in Asian qualifying for the 2014 World Cup on Tuesday, while South Korea thumped Lebanon.

Visitors Japan took the lead through Yuzo Kurihara in the 65th minute of the match at Suncorp Stadium, capitalising on their man advantage after the Socceroos had Mark Milligan sent off 10 minutes earlier.

The 10-man hosts fought back to equalise courtesy of a Luke Wilkshire penalty in the 69th minute.

Japan also finished a man light after Kurihara was shown a second yellow card with a minute remaining in Brisbane.

The draw sees Japan top Group B in the third round Asian Football Confederation qualifying with seven points from three matches played.

Australia are third in the group with two points from two fixtures.

Also on Tuesday, South Korea continued their 100 percent start in Group A with a 3-0 win at home to Lebanon.

Bo-Kyung Kim claimed a brace for the home side at Goyang Stadium, with Ja-Cheol Koo adding the third in injury time.

Elsewhere, Iraq beat Oman 1-0 to join Australia on two points in Group B, while Iran were held to a 0-0 draw in their Group A match at home to Qatar.