"It's a great result," Australia midfielder Tim Cahill told Reuters. "They've had five weeks preparing, we've had two days. We will take that result - and I'm sure they will too."
Australia lead Group One in the final round of Asian 2010 World Cup qualifying with 10 points from four games, two ahead of second-placed Japan.
"You've got to look at the table," said Cahill. "We're six points clear of the team in third (Bahrain). We're sitting pretty and so are Japan."
"It's frustrating not to take three points at home," said Japan coach Takeshi Okada, who had admitted in the build-up to the game that defeat would have cost him his job.
"We did everything but put the ball in the net. But it's about qualifying for the World Cup. We have four games left and have to keep pushing."
"We've not made it to the World Cup yet," said Nakamura. "We've got four games left and nobody's thinking it's a done deal."
"I can only compliment my players," said the Dutchman. "We had more of less no preparation and Japan were very dangerous so I'm very pleased with the result."
