Japan has expressed shock over its soccer team's three-to-one upset loss to Australia in the World Cup.

Japanese media said the public, which was certain of victory, is in sheer shock and blamed coach Zico for the loss.

The daily Asahi Shimbun cited Australia coach Guus Hiddink's use of tall players to overwhelm the physically weaker Japanese, and blasted Zico for doing nothing about it.

In a post-game interview, Zico said he did not expect to lose by such a wide margin.

Japan struck first after forward Shunsuke Nakamura scored in the 26th minute in a controversial goal.

But Australia scored three consecutive goals in the last eight minutes to clinch its first World Cup win.