Australia has secured an invaluable away point after drawing 0-0 with Japan in an Asian Group One World Cup qualifier tonight. Pim Verbeek's Australian side rarely threatened the Japanese goals, but the result allowed the Australians to maintain a two point lead over the Japanese.

Australia started with Everton's Tim Cahill as the main attacking option but he was rarely sighted as the Japanese dominated proceedings throughout the 90 minutes.

With three of their four remaining World Cup qualifiers to be played on home soil, Australia remains hot favourites to finish top of Group 1 and claim a place in the 2010 World Cup finals.