Japan 2 - 1 Australia

Japan welcomed Australia to the Nagai Stadium in Osaka with non-stop chanting and screaming from more than 50000 fans. The Socceroos didn't seem intimidated by the imposing atmosphere and started the match strongly. However, as the contest went on Australia lost control of the match and Japan's quality eventually shined through to give them a 2-1 win. Another loss for coach Ange Postecoglou and more things to worry about in what was a last hit out before the start of the Asian Cup in January. The starting lineup was Matt Ryan; Aziz Behich; Trent Sainsbury; Alex Wilkinson; Ivan Franjic; Matt McKay; Mile Jedinak; Massimo Luongo; James Troisi; Robbie Kruse; Matthew Leckie.

First Half

Australia had an impressive start to the match. We were extremely structured and compact when we lost the ball and quick and fluid once we won it back. A pressing strategy featured heavily in the first half as the Socceroos looked to win the ball back as quick as possible and maintain possession. Surprisingly, we were able to do just that and maintain it throughout the whole of the first half. Australia looked very focused. Japan just couldn't find time on the ball and decided to try to exploit Australia's high line with long passes and balls over the top. Matt Ryan playing as a sweeper keeper had to be alert and he was. The first half was full of end to end action with both teams having their fair share of chances, the Socceroos with the better of them. Australia clearly dominated the first half and were unlucky to go in at half time without scoring. The Socceroos were just not clinical enough in the final third and lacked an end product.

Second Half

In the second half Australia tried to continue from where they left off but Javier Aguirre's half time talk and tactical changes completely turned the match into Japan's hands. They realised that the Socceroos were trying to keep the ball and play out from the back so they decided to push up and press the Australians. Japan began to force errors from the Socceroos in dangerous positions and started finding it easier to keep possession. As the Australians eased their pressing and were losing their defensive structure, Japan's more creative players Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa started running the show. By the 60th minute Japan were in control and on the 62nd minute they struck, a well placed corner caught out the Australian defence who failed to clear the ball and Konno headed it in at the far post unmarked.

By this stage the Socceroos were being pinned back in their own half and were finding it extremely hard to get out or keep possession. Straight after the goal Ange made two changes to try to get back control, Mitch Nichols came on for James Troisi and Marc Bresciano came on for Massimo Luongo. The changes didn't affect the game, Japan pushed on and in the 69th minute they had their second. The goal was very similar to the goal scored by David Villa in the World Cup, Japan got in behind our left full back, drove the ball low and hard across the box and Okazaki back heeled it in, Australia is not learning from their mistakes. The last 20 minutes were more evenly matched as Japan eased off a little, Ange threw Tim Cahill on to try to salvage something and surprise surprise, he scored from a well placed header. The reliance on Cahill continues. It was a mere consolation goal as a few minutes later the ref blew the whistle and it was all over, Japan won 2-1. Australia was left feeling confused, after such a strong start, how did it end so badly?

Three positives...

- The first half overall, Australia had great movement, kept possession really well and pressed Japan effectively. Arguably the Socceroos' best half of football under Ange Postecoglou.

- Massimo Luongo, he gave the Socceroos some much needed creativity and verticality, kept the ball moving and tried to make things happen. I was disappointed when Ange subbed him off.

- Matt Ryan, his best performance since becoming the no.1 keeper. Made a lot of good saves and his ability is essential to carry out the style of play.

Three negatives...

- Very poor set piece defending. Both of Japan's goals originated from failing to defend set pieces. Firstly failing to clear a corner, the second coming from losing possession from a free kick clearance.

- Lack of patience in the final third. We've been good at building up the play but it usually happens too far from the opposing goal area. The front three were weak.

- Inability to maintain focus and intensity for the whole match. After a great first half it was a shame that we couldn't maintain the level of play for the full ninety.

All eyes will now be on Ange Postecoglou, the results have been disappointing. It will be interesting to see who he picks in the squad but no matter who makes the team there's plenty of work left to be done. Defending set pieces is an obvious thing to work on but the problems with the Socceroos go deeper than that. At the moment there seems to be an emerging pattern to Australia's matches, we start strongly, then don't take our chances and end up struggling. I find it hard to remember the last match where you could say that the Socceroos completely dominated from start to finish and it feels as though Australia is now one of those teams always chasing the match instead of controlling it. I still have faith in Ange Postecoglou and the style of play but it's diminishing quickly. Hopefully playing at home in a big tournament will be the catalyst that lifts the guys and everything clicks into place come January.

The 2015 Asian Cup kicks off on January 9th - LIVE on Fox Sports and ABC TV