Socceroos' automatic World Cup qualification hopes dashed in 2-0 loss to Japan in Sydney

The Socceroos' hopes of automatic qualification for November's World Cup in Qatar have been flattened after an uninspiring 2-0 loss to Japan in Sydney on Thursday night.

While a win against a nation it had not defeated since 2009 seemed unlikely in the first instance, the disastrous build-up to Australia's penultimate Asian qualifier made a win almost out of the realms of reality.

Indeed, the shambolic nature of the past fortnight – with the squad affected by injuries, illnesses, COVID-19 protocols, and other unavailabilities – was clearly evident on the pitch from the opening whistle.

Australia's rag-tag group of players lacked chemistry across the park and were regularly overwhelmed by Japan's more organised and cohesive side.

Spear-headed by the dazzling Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino, Japan easily dominated the game on and off the ball, pressing collectively to retrieve possession and finding multiple avenues towards goal.

Midfield was a particular weakness for Australia, with the untested duo of Connor Metcalfe and Gianni Stensness paired together in deep-lying midfield positions.

They were regularly overwhelmed by Japan's more lively central players, while creative attacking player Ajdin Hrustic was positioned as a second wide forward to pair with Mitchell Duke and became Australia's predictable outlet.

Melbourne City striker Jamie Maclaren was left on the bench until the game's dying stages, despite the fact he's only available for this match before leaving camp to attend his wedding, while former Uruguay youth international Bruno Fornaroli was brought on in the final 20 minutes but did little with his debut for his adopted country.

Australia had a disallowed goal in the first half after a Hrustic corner was bundled