Hirakawa makes Japan debut and Ohashi first start

Bristol City forward Yu Hirakawa made his international debut for Japan on Thursday during their 1-0 World Cup qualifying loss against Australia.

The 24-year-old earned his first senior call-up in May and was put straight into the starting line-up for his country, who have already qualified for the 2026 finals.

The game also marked a first Japan start for Blackburn Rovers forward Yuki Ohashi.

Ohashi led the side up top while Hirakawa was utilised in midfield, but Australia's Aziz Behich scored a 90th-minute winner to hand Japan their first qualifying defeat.