The stakes are raised in this match between Asia’s heavyweights, as the Socceroos and Japan meet again in World Cup qualification. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:45pm (AEDT).
A solitary point separates four teams in what is shaping as a mouthwatering fight for qualification from Group B.
Australia’s last-start draw reinforced their top billing, but still leaves them with a tough task to qualify in the remaining six matches.
The Socceroos’ finest footballing moment measured by silverware is their Asian Cup triumph last year, but their 3-1 victory over the Blue Samurai at the 2006 World Cup will run a close second in terms of setting them on the world stage. Regardless, the Blue Samurai have won three of the last five meetings, with Australia’s last win occurring in June 2009 – in Melbourne.
Coach Ange Postecoglou is expected to make changes to the side that drew with Saudi Arabia last week, with Massimo Luongo likely for a recall alongside Aaron Mooy in the centre of the pitch. As two sides that look to play the ball quickly upfield, with short and clinical passing, Luongo’s influence will be to open up Japan’s defence for Australia’s front two to exploit.
While Tom Rogic should retain his spot, Postecoglou may turn to the evergreen Tim Cahill to continue his decade-long torment of Japanese defences. The gaffer will not be persuaded to change his defensive personnel, despite giving away two poor goals in Jeddah.
Japan sit in fourth place currently, which only incentivises their trip to Melbourne further, as a loss would leave their qualification hopes in critical danger. Were it not for midfielder Hotaru Yamaguchi’s 95th-minute winner against Iraq last week, the Blue Samurai’s campaign would already be almost terminal.
While the stirring effect of their win may rekindle their credentials against the Socceroos, hoodoos need to be broken should Japan maintain pace with their Group B rivals, as their last win against the Socceroos on Australian soil was 18 years ago.
Coach Vahid Halilhodžić will make sweeping changes, with European-based stars Yuto Nagatomo and Shinji Kagawa likely to come in after missing the Iraq game. Kagawa’s influence is sorely in need, with Japan’s best hopes to return Australia’s willingness to attack in kind with swift counterattacks.
In Keisuke Honda and Leicester City’s Shinji Okazaki in tow, Japan have goals in them, and will present a persistent challenge to Australia’s susceptible back four.
A win for either side will likely catapult them to group favourites, yet with both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates both in the mix, neither side will attack with too much abandon.
An early goal may open the contest up, yet the longer the game proceeds without a goal, then a draw may present the mutually best result for these rivals.
BES
Guest
no thats the 2nd thing - after he sacks him!
Bob Brown
Roar Guru
General consensus around the water cooler at work today is disappointing result and performance by the Footballroos. Two draws in a row and with the Saudi's easy win, there are going to be too many "must win" games to make this as easy as it first looked. First thing Ange has to do is shave the Jedi's beard off. Its just not working.
BES
Guest
not one shot from open play in 94 minutes........ not another word need be said.
AZ_RBB
Guest
The return fixture in 11 months time in the intensity of Saitama will be fascinating. Will be on the back of a Confed Cup appearance for Aus.
SVB
Guest
I thought we had a few counter attacking opportunities, but rather then force the issue and take a chance, our midfielders like Mooy, Rogic, Luongo and Jedinak tended to pass back all night. Japan were then easily able to recover. I honestly think Rogic is a bit lost in the team, and we would be better of playing with guys like Kruse and Leckie in the team who give us both speed and width, plus the ability to counter and get in behind defensive lines.
AZ_RBB
Guest
No doubt. But we are an improving team. I think we're much better than we were 12 months ago and light years ahead of where we were in 2014. The end game is 2018. Also can't ignore the fact that we're playing quality opposition.
SM
Guest
It's telling that despite the mountains of possession that we had, Japan created the best opportunities of the match on the counter. I don't recall a clear-cut chance we had from open play. As was the case against the Saudis, creativity, delivery, and the ability to move the ball quickly in attack is lacking against the better sides in this region. All considering, we should be happy with a point. There's a fair bit of work to do.
Geoff Foley
Roar Rookie
Indeed strange days. I assume circumstances (first game loss) foisted it on them, but parking the bus, especially against Australia, is not natural for them. They did it well but I'd imagine with that point secured they can afford to be more adventurous now.
Geoff Foley
Roar Rookie
Don't underestimate how tough it is to back up four days after a game in the Middle East- really tough on the Socceroos to have Japan straight after the Saudis away. A point is a good result in that context.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
We fell over the line with a point. Not many eye catching Socceroo performances out there, except for Ryan's outstretched hand, but thank God for that clumsy challenge on Juric that allowed Jedi to convert from the spot. Having said that, the Blue Samurai played an uncharacteristic defensive game. Strange days for them.
SVB
Guest
Should be happy with the point. After that first half I thought I honestly thought they would lose, they were that lethargic. Second half played better, but still too slow and no ability for any quick counter. Japan also had a few chances of their own. Ange has got them playing a nice passing game, but they are becoming a little predictable. Other teams will just stack their defence against us if we keep playing like this.
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
FULLTIME: Australia 1-1 Japan Thanks for your company. Australia are now on 8 points from their four games, after two draws in their two games. Players now head back to their clubs. The next international break is in November, where Australia will travel to Bangkok to face Thailand. On paper, it's a win for Australia, but the same was said of Saudi Arabia and Japan. No challenge comes easy in Asia. I'll be back for next month's contest against Japan. Until then, in Melbourne, it finished Australia 1-1 Japan. Good night! FULLTIME: Australia 1-1 Japan
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
Corner is too deep, and is dealt with by Japan, as the three whistles are blown! One of the tougher assignments in Asian football ends once again with a stalemate. Australia were second best on balance, but were true to their task, after giving away an early lead to Genki Haraguchi in the 5th minute. Japan were dominant in the first half, and in many ways, gave away a penalty against the run of play, again conceded by Haraguchi. The spot kick was well converted by Mile Jedinak. Despite Australia having chances to penetrate the Japanese box constantly, it was Japan who asked more questions of Mat Ryan, than the Socceroos could of Shusaku Nishikawa. A point will do, as Australia maintain their hold of Group B, albeit maybe for only hours, as Saudi Arabia are due to kickoff later tonight. FULLTIME: Australia 1-1 Japan
Andy
Guest
Still feel like we escaped that. We had alot of possession in that second half but most of it was nowhere near their 18 yard much less their goal. Apart from that penalty we didnt look like scoring. Japan didnt look that much more likely than us but still feels like we escaped.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Not the greatest game of footy but intriguing nonetheless. It was two very good football teams going at it for 90mins with varying results for either side. Happy with the draw.
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'90+4: Final chance for Australia, as Smith earns a corner. This is it for the game - Luongo to take. Australia 1-1 Japan
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'90+2: Free kick cannot beat the first yellow shirt - it has been an absorbing spectacle - save for some late heroics, these two sides will once again not be separated. It's been nearly thrree years since they could be separated. Now Spiranovic cops a boot to the head from Asano's attempted bicycle kick - foul to Australia, and the settlement of a point each is likely to be realised. Australia 1-1 Japan
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'90: Final minute of normal time, as Japan will make a defensive change. Yuichi Maruyama will come on, as Hasebe cops a stray elbow from Cahill, and even a stray boot from Luongo, as Japan who get a free kick. Maruyama replaces the goalscorer, and the penalty-giver Haraguchi. He walks off slowly, as Japan look settled for a point. SUBSTITUTION (JAPAN) OFF: 8. Haraguchi ON: 2. Maruyama Australia 1-1 Japan
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'88: SPIRANOVIC OVER! It was delivered on a plate by Luongo, and it's centre back who rose highest, but can't keep his header down, as it grazes the top of the netting! Chance goes begging at both ends! Now Brad Smith tries too hard to press forward, then needs to track back. Amazing pace by Smith, but he's saved by the offside flag against Asano ruining Japan's attempted counter. Australia 1-1 Japan
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'87: Minutes remaining, and it's a yellow card for a deliberate handball by Makino. Free kick to be taken by Luongo, who is 20 yards out from goal, it's going to be a sideways delivery. Australia 1-1 Japan