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Winger Keito Nakamura came off the bench to force an own-goal equalizer as Japan drew 1-1 with Australia and saw their perfect start to the Asian final round of 2026 World Cup qualifiers come to an end at home on Tuesday. After bagging 14 goals without conceding through the first three Group C matches, the Samurai Blue were in control but lacked a cutting edge against a well-organized Socceroo side, who took the lead against the run of play through center-back Shogo Taniguchi’s own goal in the 58th minute at Saitama Stadium. Nakamura came on with 20 minutes to go and wreaked havoc down the lef…

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