Just under a year ago, Australia proved it can still match it with Japan. As the Socceroos prepare to run out at Saitama Stadium, they should remember there is nothing to fear but fear itself against the Samurai Blue.
The Socceroos battered Alberto Zaccheroni’s men into submission in the first half of their epic Suncorp Stadium encounter just under 12 months ago, until Mark Milligan’s untimely dismissal shortly after the half-time break halted Australia’s momentum.
Results have been poor since that 1-1 draw in Brisbane, yet there’s no reason to assume the Socceroos will do anything but lift against a team which might rightfully be considered Australia’s greatest foe.
Holger Osieck’s team might be out of form, however Zaccheroni’s outfit aren’t necessarily faring much better and the pressure is starting to build on their Italian coach to find some consistency.
That’s the least of Osieck’s problems – he would accept three points any way he can get it in Saitama – yet there is no reason to write off the Socceroos’ chances before a ball has even been kicked.
Japan’s 2-0 friendly defeat to Bulgaria last week was a disappointing result for a side which relies heavily on confidence.
Playing in front of a big crowd in Toyota, goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima fisted a harmless Stanislav Manolev free-kick straight into his own net with barely two minutes on the clock, before skipper Makoto Hasebe managed to turn a flicked-on Hristo Zlatinski free-kick past the hapless Kawashima midway through the second half.
In other words; Australia – forget the pointless short free-kick routines, Luke Wilkshire and Mark Bresciano, and aim directly for goal.
Kawashima is a highly talented goalkeeper and one of the best shot-stoppers in the Asian game, but he may be troubled psychologically by the nature of the goals conceded against Bulgaria.
There are other weaknesses too, particularly in some key areas.
One is the achingly slow Yasuhito Endo in midfield – a superb player back in his day, though it seems no one has had the nerve to inform the 33-year-old his day passed by long ago.
Endo and his 30-year-old compatriot Yasuyuki Konno both ply their trade in the Japanese second division, yet it hasn’t stopped Zaccheroni from repeatedly starting both players in the national team despite the availability of several alternatives in their positions.
Yet, most perplexing of all is surely his continual reliance on Jubilo Iwata striker Ryoichi Maeda to lead the line up front.
Maeda has had chance after chance to cement his place in the Samurai Blue line-up, however – much like his chances in front of goal – he continues to waste them.
Now Japan have only untried Kashiwa Reysol striker Masato Kudo and 194-centimetre beanpole Mike Havenaar as viable alternatives, meaning that for all their intricate passing movements, they still lack a cutting edge at the point of attack.
That said, Japan still possess two players of world-class quality capable of turning any game on its head.
Talisman Keisuke Honda goes into the game under an injury cloud but if history is anything to go by, the CSKA Moscow bulldozer will be in no mood to take it easy in such a significant game – providing he starts.
Along with Honda, the reigning Asian champions also have fleet-footed Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa to call upon.
Kagawa endured a tough first season in the English Premier League, but there’s no doubt the mercurial midfielder is one of region’s best players – almost akin to an Asian Lionel Messi.
The influence of the Saitama Stadium crowd shouldn’t be discounted either, with the vociferous Samurai Blue fans sitting right on top of the action, unlike at the cavernous Yokohama International Stadium.
That will make it tough for the Socceroos and Holger Osieck’s job hangs in the balance in Saitama.
But with Japan rarely playing their best football as favourites and Australia’s backs against the wall, Socceroos supporters should not underestimate the chances of jagging a result in front of a hostile crowd in Saitama.
Matsu
Guest
He has only played four times for Tokyo since his return on loan, and probably Zack hasnt been convinced yet that he is in form. At least thats my assumption. Of course it could also be that he had his driver's license revoked in the UK for repeated speeding and the JFA views that as a bit of an embarrassment. Either way, if I were choosing an FCTokyo striker I would definitely go with Watanabe over Lee at the moment. Maybe after a few more months of regular play Lee will get another look into the NT.
Mike Tuckerman
Expert
Why didn't Tadanari Lee get picked, just out of interest?
Matsu
Guest
I think Mike was probably referring to candidates as the lone "striker" in the center of the formation, although it is true that his inclusion of Kudo in that comment muddles the waters a bit. Okazaki may be listed as a "forward" both for Stuttgart and for the Japan NT but he plays on the right side of the three-man line behind the striker, not up front like Maeda or Havenaar. Kudo is also more suited to playing in the second line, although he prefers to be on the left and as long as Kagawa is playing there, I dont see him getting too many starts (^c,^) I strongly disagree that Japan has "no other options". On the contrary, two of the top scorers in the J.League this year are Yohei Toyoda and Kazuma Watanabe, both of whom are clearly cut out to play in the one-top position. Yuya Osako is even better suited to therole, though still needs to polish his game a bit more. And lest we forget, Socceroo-killer Tadanari Lee also plays that position. If Maeda is still viewed as a starter (or even a squad member) when the World Cup rolls around, it will mean that Zack has failed badly as a selector of talent. What Mike probably means is that "in this week's game" there are no options other than Maeda, Havenaar, Kudo or - in a pinch - Honda. Those are the only players who got called up this time around, and can fill the role. While there are lots of other potential candidates to play in the one-top position, Okazaki is not one of them. Edit: (Whoops - Mike beat me to it!)
Mike Tuckerman
Expert
Having personally watched Shinji Okazaki play for more than three years at Shimizu S-Pulse, I'd venture to say I have heard of him. Since Japan will start with a 4-2-3-1 system tomorrow night (in which Maeda is likely to start up front), Okazaki is competing for a place with Hiroshi Kiyotake for a starting berth on the right-hand side of midfield. Which is why I didn't mention him playing "at the point of attack."
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
Wow, that would mean last time they were playing at 47%. That's a bit harsh.
Bertie
Guest
Mike Tuckerman "Now Japan have only untried Kashiwa Reysol striker Masato Kudo and 194-centimetre beanpole Mike Havenaar as viable alternatives, meaning that for all their intricate passing movements, they still lack a cutting edge at the point of attack." Do you know anything about Japanese football? Have you not heard of Shinji Okazaki who is a very talented and dynamic striker who plies his trade with Stuttgart in the Bundesliga. He has also scored 31 goals for Japan. Neglected to mention that. So I don't think Japan are exactly lacking in talent up front (we'd happily trade Brosque or Kennedy for Okazaki, and I rate Kennedy) "In other words; Australia – forget the pointless short free-kick routines, Luke Wilkshire and Mark Bresciano, and aim directly for goal." Although I think we should look to exploit the aerial threat we have with Kennedy and Cahill (providing it's not the inaccurate an innocuous Wilkshire taking the free kicks, it should be Oar, who's more accurate than Bresciano), although I think that. The criticism, if you've been paying attention, is that Wilkshire tends to bomb the ball long every time. Rather than being sensible and playing the ball out the back on the deck, in order to maintain possession and test Japan's defence. If you've ever seen a team called Barcelona or Bayern Munich play, you'll notice they don't always bomb the ball long from a free kick. They often play it short and then move the ball forward in a technical, controlled and more threatening manner. That's how kids are brought up to play. That's how I was taught to play (by decent coaches from Germany, Italy and the UK). Don't criticise them for playing the ball short off a free kick, it can be more threatening than attacking the goal directly. In this instance, I think they should vary it between direct attacks and short free kicks.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
I also cannot understand the Japanese fascination with Endo. It has been a few years since he was last a game changer. It may be time for Kiyotake to have a crack (or Hosogai if he can overcome his defensive instincts). Going forward though I am expecting Okazaki to play alone with Kagawa and Honda playing a little deeper. Playing both Kagawa & Honda has proven difficult however I believe they can make it work. If they are on fire though I think we're going to need Jedinak playing a cracker to protect our central pairing (whoever they may be) It will be interesting to see how they handle Kruse or Oar if Nagatomo or Uchida get caught out bombing forward. Given enough space for a pass I don't think Yoshida has the class to rein in Cahill. It's going to be interesting.
langou
Roar Guru
It is possible that they could increase their effort by 110%, assuming they where not already at 100% last time
langou
Roar Guru
Happiness is about expectations I never thought for one minute that we would become a dominant team after winning only one match in the 2006 World Cup ( in the 80th minute). Being a small football nation, I hope rather than expect us to make World Cups. Really excited about the upcoming games and if we make it to Brazil I will be celebrating as hard as when we beat Uruguay.
pete4
Guest
Watching the recap very tense match in Brisbane 12 months ago. Expect the same this time around and we'll need some luck to get something http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C89kDsM989U
dasilva
Guest
I can see Australia doing ok against Japan The only thing we need is to win a few corners and Timmy Cahill will do the rest Football is a simple game sometimes
Jacques
Guest
Trying to be positive but it's hard to see how the Socceroos can break down Japan from open play. Missing someone like a Harry I think
Franko
Guest
I read somewhere he tried to get a gig in Iran but failed - This is not a joke.
King Of Swing
Guest
The last I heard of David Carney was that he was tending to a herd of goats on the outskirts of Tashkent.
AGO74
Guest
Look for the positives. At least there is no David Carney.
realfootball
Guest
Towser, at the risk of stating the obvious, no one can give 110%. Can we please all wind back the hyperbole... It's like the gag in Spinal Tap, with the amps that go up to 11.
Towser
Guest
Agree Fuss,will be a tough game as always against Japan ,but they aint that far ahead of Australia,that we should quake in our boots. Expect Australia to give 110% let alone 100% as they always do when their backs are to the wall.
Mike Tuckerman
Expert
It's a measure of the growing status of Japanese football that Gotoku Sakai floated over a cross for Shinji Okazaki in what turned out to be the last action of the German Cup final. Shame Okazaki couldn't get his header on target.
apaway
Roar Guru
I sense there not being a lot of love for Holger Osieck at the moment. However, it's worth noting he has given starts to Michael Zullo, Robbie Kruse, Rhys Williams, James Holland, Tommy Oar, Matthew Spiranovic and James Troisi, off the top of my head. He has also done what more illustrious managers the world over have done when faced with a string of ordinary results; turned back to tried and tested players. I'm not saying that's necessarily the right idea, but in the high pressure stakes of World Cup qualification, it's understandable.
Nelson
Guest
Okazaki is another big return for Samurai Blue and whilst only an intermittent starter at Stuttgart, he invariably scores for his national side once every two games. Beware the diving header from Okazaki! Like last time, on paper Japan should be all over us but we always seem to lift for these big games. It's a dangerous thing relying on "Aussie fighting spirit ®" though, and will cost us big one day. Hopefully that day isn't Tuesday June 4, 2012. Whilst a loss will not be the end of the qualification campaign, a big loss may shatter our confidence going into 2 must-win games at home. Anything is possible, but a point would be a very good result to take away from Saitama.