Defending champions Japan advanced to the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 quarter-finals despite losing 3-2 to Australia in their concluding Group B tie on Thursday.

United Arab Emirates’ 1-1 draw with Vietnam in the other match meant that Japan finished top of the group with UAE the runners-up, with both also sealing their places at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025. The East Asian side will meet Group A runners-up Saudi Arabia in the quarter-finals.

Australia missed out despite also finishing on four points with the final standings based on points, head-to-head, goal difference and number of goals of the teams tied.

Continuing his rotation in the goalkeeping department, Japan head coach Nozomi Hiroyama opted for a different custodian for third game running, giving Shinji Muramatsu a start while there was also a first appearance for Jay Maltz in Australia’s midfield.

Japan got into their groove early on, needing only seven minutes to take the lead as Asuto Fujita spun away from his marker to sweep home Taito Kanda’s corner kick despite Jai Ajanovic managing to get a hand to the ball.

Looking to keep themselves in the competition, Australia broke forward in the 18th minute with Haine Eames swinging in a low cross from the right that a sliding Amlani Tatu met with but could only send it wide of Muramatsu’s goal.

The early excitement evaporated with Japan content to sit back with Australia unable to find the breakthrough despite their increased ball possession as the score remained intact going into the break.

Group B: Japan v Australia

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The introduction of Quinn Macnicol in the second half brought fresh attacking impetus for Australia, enabling them to draw level in the 51st minute through a thumping Miles Milliner header from Max Anastasio’s perfect corner kick delivery.

Japan’s composure suffered a knock after conceding as Australia took the opportunity to turn the game around in the 71st minute.

Anastasio won the ball high up the pitch but still had lots to do with two Japanese defenders in front of him, however, the Italy-based midfielder kept his cool to place his shot into the bottom corner past Muramatsu.

Australia sealed their comeback win when centre-back Alexander Garbowski poked home from close range in the 74th minute but Daichi Tan pulled one back for Japan 12 minutes later to take his side through by the slimmest of margins. 

Source: AFC