Shinji Okazaki’s second-half strike saw Japan draw 1-1 with Uzbekistan as the 2011 AFC Champions and semi-finalists clashed in the third round of qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Tashkent on Tuesday.

Uzbekistan skipper Djeparov gave the home side the perfect start when the 2008 AFC Player of the Year opened the scoring just eight minutes into the top-of the -table clash at Pakhtakor Stadium gone.

Zaccheroni said that the match was difficult that Japan expected it. Uzbekistan played very well in the first half and created many chances.

He said that in the second half, Japan played much better and this helped to clinch difficult draw in the match.