The Japanese were reeling in the energy-sapping heat and Aloisi made the victory safe with his team's third goal, evading defender Yuichi Komano to rifle home a left-foot volley two minutes into stoppage time to send the gold-clad Australian fans into uproar.

"In the end justice was done in this game," coach Guus Hiddink said, maintaining that the Japan goal should have been disallowed.

"I think the referee will thank God for the result - it was a clear foul on the goalie."

The Dutchman was delighted with the resilience shown by his players.

"We are very happy, so let's enjoy this moment. I said to the boys before they went out 'You're here now in Germany, so enjoy it, but work for it.' They are so nice to work with."

Japan coach Zico criticised his team for sitting back after going 1-0 up.

"We did not do anything after taking the lead," the Brazilian said.

"We had two clear goalscoring chances on the counter-attack but if you do not put the ball in at one end you sometimes concede it at the other.

"The way Australia turned the game on its head is difficult for us to stomach.

"This is football. There is no use in stopping here and we have to prepare for the next match."

It all looked to be going sour for the Aussies after Nakamura's controversial goal.

Enraged Australian players confronted Egyptian referee Essam Abdullah to protest but they were waved away.

Australia were up against it until Hiddink risked everything to throw on Aloisi, striker Josh Kennedy and attacking midfielder Cahill and was handsomely rewarded with the victory.

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