Japan and Iraq do battle for the top spot in Group D in the Asian Cup. Join The Roar from 8.00pm (AEDT) for all the action from Brisbane.
Japan kicked off the tournament with an easy 4-0 win over Palestine in Newcastle, while Iraq scrapped past Jordan 1-0.
Both teams are in the box set to reach the quarter-finals, and will do so with a win here.
Japan, the defending champions, defeated Palestine without breaking a sweat. It all looked too early for Samurai Blue and it could have been six or seven goals if they were in the mood.
Iraq will be a much tougher opponent. They won the Asian Cup in 2007 and are always tricky opposition.
Japan have stated publicly their concerns about the humidity in Brisbane, which they blamed for their poor showing in Brazil. The conditions are something the Iraqi’s should be more familiar with.
But the 2007 winners were slow out of the box against Jordan, only managing nine shots in the 90 minutes and just two on target. Skipper Younis Mahmoud struggled to make an impact, with Justin Meram effective in the second half.
Iraq has a young team and are still finding their feet, but I can’t see Japan taking them lightly.
Nothing but a win will be Japan’s aim. Followed by a huge amount of media and enjoying good support, they will want to top the group.
It will be interesting to see whether Javier Aguirre rests some of his stars after playing a first-choice XI in Newcastle. It’s a short turnaround between games and he won’t want to burnout any of his key players.
So far in the Asian Cup Japan and Australia, perhaps along with Iran, have looked the best out of the 16 teams.
Japan can play breath-taking football when they want to, so how they meet the challenge of Iraq will be fascinating.
With Honda, Kagawa etc on song, I can’t see the Samurai Blue losing this game.
Join me for the 8.00pm (AEDT) for all the goings on at Suncorp Stadium. It should be a cracker.
Prediction: Japan 3-1
Follow John Davidson on Twitter @johnnyddavidson
j binnie
Guest
John - In watching the Japanese last night and comparing them with the Socceroos,it was noticeable that both teams are now deeply embedded in the idea of one or two touch football,as it was once known. Both teams now attempt to move the ball quickly and accurately from man to man prefering to move the ball before the player in possession or his teamate who has moved to a wider area of receiving, can be pressured into making a mistake. This is a simple "game" to describe but an intensely disciplined game in which to practice and it is heartening to see Sainsbury and Spiranovic making telling forward passes to a fluent ,hard working,hard running,midfield who in turn can set any of the front players into attack mode where it matters most,in the opponents back third.Personally I hope the two teams meet in this competition for it would be interesting to watch both teams joust with each other using this "simple " technique, not so easily practised in a competitive game. jb.
John Davidson
Roar Guru
I see Japan making it to the final but they need to score more goals. Are just cruising along. Wait to see how they go against a stronger team. Anyway that's all from me from Suncorp. Good night all.
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Honda gets man of the match. Deserved for mine. Your thoughts on the game Roarers?
John Davidson
Roar Guru
FULL-TIME Japan are through to the quarter-finals with a 1-0 win over a plucky Iraq. The Middle Eastern country didn't give up but just couldn't break down a structured Japanese defence. Japan now face Jordan, who can finish second with a win over Japan after beating Palestine. Iraq face Palestine, who if they beat, they are through with Japan. Iraq 0 Japan 1
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'93 Iraq's set piece delivery has been ordinary, in my opinion. Iraq 0 Japan 1
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'91 Iraw valiant but just outgunned. They have a free kick in a great spot though, Konno goes into the ref's book. Iraq 0 Japan 1
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'89 Honda off and Muto on for Japan. Iraq 0 Japan 1
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'88 Okazaki puts it over the bar. Japan just cannot score. Iraq 0 Japan 1
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'86 Iraq's Dhurgham fouls Honda and hurts himself. Go figure. Iraq 0 Japan 1
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'85 Iraq sitting so deep. They just can't get out of their half. Iraq 0 Japan 1
Richard
Guest
22941 actually:)
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'82 Last throw of the dice. Osamah on, Ajmed K off for Iraq. Iraq 0 Japan 1
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'80 Iraq bravely holding out so far. Japan won't be too worried about a 1-0 win I reckon. Iraq 0 Japan 1
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'77 Japan surely has to score here. Iraq are on the ropes.... Iraq 0 Japan 0
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'75 Crowd 22,931. Pretty decent. Iraq 0 Japan 1
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'74 Iraq resorting to long-range shots. That won't cut it. Iraq 0 Japan 1
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'72 Saad down after being hit by the ball in the face. Falcon! Then Ahmed Ibrahim makes a good save to keep it to a one-goal defecit. Iraq 0 Japan 1
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'69 Japan after another goal. If it stays at 1-0 Iraq are still a chance on the counter... Iraq 0 Japan 1
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'67 Ali A off and Ahmed Yaseen on for Iraq. Iraq 0 Japan 1
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'65 Brilliant play from Japan but the post thwarts Honda! Should have been 2-0. Iraq 0 Japan 1