Japan hold Australia to 1-1 draw in Melbourne

By Ian Ransom

MELBOURNE ( Reuters) - Genki Haraguchi scored an early goal and gave away a second-half penalty as Japan drew 1-1 with Australia in a World Cup qualifier in Melbourne on Tuesday.

Japan got off to a flying start when Haraguchi scored in the fifth minute in front of 48,460 fans at Docklands stadium but their celebrations were tempered when the 25-year-old made a clumsy challenge on forward Tomi Juric shortly after the break.

Mile Jedinak slotted home the spot-kick in the 52nd minute and both teams were left to rue a number of missed chances in a high-tempo match.

Japan protected their seven-year unbeaten record against Australia but they have not beaten the Socceroos in five consecutive World Cup qualifiers.

(Reporting by Ian Ransom; Editing by Ed Osmond)