Jedinak denies Japan

Australia came from behind through a Mile Jedinak penalty to grab a 1-1 draw against Japan to remain unbeaten in Asian World Cup qualifiers in Melbourne on Tuesday.

The Blue Samurai rocked the Socceroos with a fifth-minute goal from midfielder Genki Haraguchi but skipper Jedinak retrieved a point in a tense game with his spot kick.

Australia have not beaten Japan for seven years, while the Japanese have still to win a World Cup qualifier in Australia.

Australia stay a point ahead of Japan in Group B and remain unbeaten in four qualifiers on the road to Russia 2018.

Japan struck early after defender Trent Sainsbury gave away possession and Keisuke Honda released Haraguchi to advance on the Australian goal.

Haraguchi slid the ball through the legs of the advancing Matt Ryan to give the Blue Samurai the shock early lead.