The Samurai Blue have beaten the Socceroos 2-0 at the Saitama Stadium and fully deserved their victory.
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Final score
Japan 2
Australia 0
Japan and Australia meet in a crucial World Cup qualification clash as the race for Russia 2018 reaches its penultimate round of matches. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 8:35pm (AEST).
The UAE have done both the Socceroos and Japan a favour with their shock victory against Saudi Arabia mid-week and this game now looms as a chance for the two combatants to lock in a place in an automatic qualifying position.
Final standings will not be known until the next round is completed, but a win tonight puts Japan well clear and cements their position at the top of the ladder.
A Socceroos win would see them assume top spot and, with the Thailand clash looming next week, presents the chance for the team to remain undefeated through the entire qualifying campaign.
It has been an extended period since the Australians last tasted victory against the Samurai Blue and tonight they will face a world-class Japan, blessed with talent all over the park. How Ange Postecoglou approaches his structure will be fascinating.
Aaron Mooy and Tom Rogic loom as potential ‘ins’ after missing Australia’s last match of the Confederations Cup, a performance still being lauded as one of the Socceroos best in some time. Who to leave out, is the key question for the manager.
In one of Asian football’s best rivalries, the two teams will throw everything they have at each other, knowing the carrot of qualification is before their very eyes.
Prediction
The class of the Japanese team will dominate at times, yet Australia will look dangerous in front of goal after their solid performances in the Confederations Cup.
Look for plenty of goals to be scored as both teams attack the game.
Japan 2, Australia 2
Catch all the action on The Roar live coverage from 8.20pm (AEST).
Stevo
Roar Rookie
I have quite a few reds under the house so there would have been no problem with liquor supply and the Roos have supplied plenty of diabolical moments to dissect :(
Stuart Thomas
Expert
As sad as we all may feel, lets all remember that football is a game and tonight a family is grieving the loss of a lovely man who contributed much to Australian football. A bit of perspective might help me sleep a little better tonight. RIP Mike Cockerill.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Right now I would love to be there with you Stevo, clink our reds together and lament a very lamentable performance.
SM
Guest
Robbie Kruse's career goal scoring record is truly something to behold. Overrated, physically bullied whenever I've seen him play, topped off with a horrible attitude. Complete madness on Ange's part to persist with him in any capacity let alone up front.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
» Click here to read the full match report
albatross
Roar Pro
disappointing
Alex
Guest
I refuse to support this team until that bastard is gone!
Scott Pryde
Expert
Here's a scary thought. We lose to Thailand by 3, UAE beat Iraq by 4, meaning we miss the fourth round. Not that it'll happen, but...
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Thanks Stuart
SM
Guest
If Ange had anything about him he'd resign tonight. An absolutely wretched display of management at virtually every turn in this campaign.
titch
Guest
we should be playing the Thais in Hobart
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Thanks for joining in everyone. Whilst a disappointing result, still much to look forward to for the Socceroos. Well played Japan, they were efficient and decisive when given opportunities. Match report to follow in 10 minutes.
Fadida
Guest
It appears us"keyboard warriors" know more after all...
me too
Roar Rookie
Too good for us. Rarely threatened. Just don't have players with the technical skill to break them down.
Nathan
Guest
Congratulations Japan. Inept performance from Aus. ? How does Snooze Kruse keep his spot? He always looks 2 or 4 steps behind the moment and dont get me started when he battles for possession i.e strength, test of character??
hogdriller
Roar Rookie
I gotta admit I've always defended Ange, but since his ego decided it needed to change how we play which has resulted in us now struggling to qualify........or even achieve a decent result. Give it away Ange, your ego is bigger than you..
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Hahahahaha!
Fadida
Guest
Agree absolutely and totally
Stuart Thomas
Expert
FULL TIME Japan 2 Australia 0
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Japan threatening out the back of the Socceroos defence. Still look dangerous.