SEOUL, South Korea — Yuya Osako scored two goals Thursday to give Japan a 3-2 win over Australia in the East Asian Cup.
Australia trailed 2-0 before Mitchell Duke scored in the 76th minute and Tomi Juric equalized three minutes later, but Osako sealed the win with his second goal in the 80th to give Japan its first win of the tournament.
“I was able to score after they came back and this is a huge win for the team,” Osako said. “If we win our next game we have the title and we have to refocus our energy for that now.”
Manabu Saito scored in the 26th minute to put Japan ahead. Australia nearly levelled five minutes before the break as Mark McKay sent a volley over the bar but Osako gave Japan a 2-0 lead in the 56th.
Japan improved to four points after its opening 3-3 draw with China while Australia have a point after a goalless draw with South Korea on Saturday. South Korea drew 0-0 with China on Wednesday.
China won the tournament in 2005 while South Korea claimed the title in 2003 and 2009. Japan can wrap up the tournament against hosts South Korea on Sunday, when Australia faces China.