Late penalty denies Socceroos victory Hands up: Japan's goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima foils Robbie Kruse's shot during the 1-1 draw. As it happened / Match stats Australia's chances of going to the 2014 World Cup remain alive after the Socceroos recorded a 1-1 draw with Japan at Saitama Stadium on Tuesday night. The Socceroos looked to be on track for an incredible win following Tommy Oar's 82nd minute freak goal, only for Japan to pick up an injury-time penalty that was coolly converted by Keisuke Honda. That strike was enough to put them through to the Brazil, sparking scenes of enormous jubilation around the stadium at the full-time whistle. They are the first side to qualify of any country, outside the host nation. To be fair on the hosts, it was no less than they deserved. His cross floated over Eiji Kawashima, who mis-read the flight of the ball. The goal shocked 62,172 of the most feverish fans in Asian football, who were seemingly seeing their dream of qualifying at home wrecked before their eyes. But Matt McKay's handball late in the play, as adjudged by Bahraini referee Nawaf Shukralla, was enough to earn him a yellow card and send Honda to the spot. He duly smashed it past Mark Schwarzer, who was otherwise excellent in goal for Australia. Now Australia has two matches at home in the next two weeks against Jordan and Iraq to seal their own destiny and join the Blue Samurai in Brazil. Holger Osieck decided not to risk the injured Alex Brosque (groin) and Mile Jedinak (ankle) going into this game, instead calling up Oar and Mark Milligan. Mark Bresciano, Lucas Neill and Sasa Ognenovski made up the remaining changes from the 2-2 draw against Oman in Sydney. The pre-match predictions of Australia playing long-ball and Japan keeping possession were played out straight from kick-off, as Lucas Neill launched the ball immediately forward. Seconds later, the hosts established their modus operandi for play the game on their terms, and on the deck, which they did for most of the evening The defensive midfield pairing of Yasuhito Endo and Hasebe would try to claim the ball and then find one of the attacking midfield trio, either of the two Shinji's - Kagawa on the left or Okazaki on the right, or Honda in the middle. However, the Japanese showed themselves up for matching the physicality of the visitors, never taking a backwards step when it came to challenge. Schwarzer was busy early and then pulled off a world-class reflex effort from close range to deny Shinji Kagawa mid-way through the opening half. However, the man causing the most danger early was Honda. His ability to drift between the lines was causing all sorts of headaches for Milligan and Bresciano. Yet Australia started to come into the game just before the half-hour mark. They began playing the ball on the floor and one through ball from Holman created a magnificent chance for Robbie Kruse. Though both Kagawa and Okazaki fired off two effort as half-time closed in, the Aussies had achieved their first goal - getting to the break without conceding. More nervous moments would follow as Honda and Kagawa looked to impose their creative will around the penalty box. They were brilliant after the break and demonstrated the gulf in technical class between the two teams. However, Oar's accidental effort gave Australia hope of a miracle win and they very nearly held on. Though a draw is helpful, and may ultimately prove vital, the margin for error in the next fortnight is non-existent. JAPAN 1 (Keisuke Honda 90+1 pen) AUSTRALIA 1 (Tommy Oar 82) at Saitama Stadium 2002. Crowd: 62,172. Referee: Nawaf Shukralla.