The Socceroos' winning run came to an end on Tuesday night as Japan claimed a late 2-1 win in Saitama.
Australia struggled throughout the match and looked particularly poor in the first 45 minutes.
Graham Arnold's side improved in the second half but were undone late in the game with one Socceroo guilty of a game he'll be eager to forget.
Here's how we rated the Socceroos players against Japan...
Maty Ryan 7
Could do little about Japan's goals but made plenty of other saves throughout the night - including a superb double save just after the Socceroos' goal.
Fran Karacic 6
Was great with the ball at his feet but his delivery into the box let him down occasionally.
Harry Souttar 6
Had a few shaky moments at the back before settling into the contest and looked more of a threat in the air than he has recently.
Trent Sainsbury 5
Like Souttar, wasn't as composed as usual and was guilty of a poor give away in the first half that could have led to a goal.
Aziz Behich 3
A nightmare match for the left-back. Was beaten numerous times down the flank and failed to cut out a pass for Japan's opener. Picked up a yellow card in the second half before bundling home an own goal late in the game.
Ajdin Hrustic 6
Was wasteful at times on the ball but made no mistake with an expertly taken free-kick that made it 1-1.
THAT. IS. SPECIAL! 🔥🤯
— Socceroos (@Socceroos) October 12, 2021
Ajdin Hrustic with a brilliant free-kick to bring us level!
🎥: @10FootballAU #AsianQualifiers #JPNvAUS pic.twitter.com/uTkLRXTekF
Aaron Mooy 5
Making his first Socceroos start in nearly two years, Mooy was sluggish at times in midfield as he struggled with the pace of the game. He did show one or two classy moments and fired just wide of goal in the second half.
Jackson Irvine 5
Tried his best to disrupt Japan's attacks but had his hands full and battled at times to impose himself on the game.
Tom Rogic 6
Showed some bright moments on the ball but for every good pass there was another wasteful one.
Adam Taggart 6
Took a great shot towards the end of the first half that drew an even better save. Had very few chances with the ball but defended from the front well.
Martin Boyle 6
Lively as always but often out muscled by Japan's defence and struggled to really threaten in the final third.