SOCCEROOS skipper Lucas Neill admitted Australian would have "stolen" victory against Japan last night had they completed a remarkable comeback from a man and goal down at Suncorp Stadium.

Six years to the day after their famous come-from-behind 3-1 win over Japan at the 2006 World Cup, the Socceroos seemed in the mood for similarly late heroics after a Luke Wilkshire penalty in the 70th minute cancelled out Yuzo Kurihara's goal five minutes earlier.

However, victory wasn't to be for either side, with Neill happy to settle for the draw.

"I would have taken the draw before the game," said Neill, who admitted his side was weary after their 0-0 draw against Muscat in Oman last Friday.

"Its been a tough two weeks and we were playing a fantastic team.

"As always a little bit of Aussie spirit came in ) we would have stolen it (had we won) so well take the point."

It was Australia's second straight draw after their 0-0 result against Oman last Friday to move to two points in their group, while Japan moved to seven points from three matches in Group B of the fourth round of Asian World Cup qualifiers.

The game, played in front of 40,189 fans, was turned on its head in the 56th minute when substitute Mark Milligan was sent off by Saudi referee Khalil Al Ghamdi for a second yellow card offence after raising his foot and connecting with Japan defender Atsuto Uchida.

Milligan had entered the game in the 13th minute as a replacement for creative force Mark Bresciano, who seemed to suffer a hip injury.

Socceroos coach Holger Osieck, who described his side's performance as heroic, was adamant it was not a foul from Milligan.

"That was a very dubious call from the referee," Osieck said.

"He clearly went to the ball and he did'nt even touch him. Uchida, he dove for the ball.

"How could (the referee) give a card for that? It's beyond comprehension."

Down a man, the Socceroos were forced to retreat and Japan took advantage with 25 minutes remaining, taking the lead through defender Kurihara.

Having just come on as a substitute for a limping Matt McKay, Nikita Rukavytsya was caught napping as Japan took a short corner.

Rukavytsya's hesitancy allowed Japan dangerman Keisuke Honda to get to the by-line, where he delivered a crisp low to the back post, where an unmarked Kurihara was waiting to guide the ball home.

But just when Japan were seemingly in the contest, the Socceroos equalised with 20 minutes left from the penalty spot.

Al Ghamdi ruled the Japan defender Atsuto Uchida had grabbed Alex Brosque around the waist and dragged him away as corner was floated into the box.

Wilkshire made no mistake with his spot kick to level scores and stun the visitors, who had Kurihara sent off in the dying stages for a second booking.

Tim Cahill was restored to Australia's starting line-up, replacing fellow stalwart Harry Kewell in the only change to the starting 11 from the with Oman.