Australia have absolutely nothing to be worried about.
Graham Arnold has the side playing at an incredibly high level. They’ve won nine games in a row and just thumped a China side boasting the likes of Wu Lei and Elkeson 3-0.
Australia have the likes of Martin Boyle, Harry Souttar, and Awer Mabil, who have all been playing exceptionally well recently.
Australia now just need to focus on continuing to play the way they are. If they do that, they will most likely top the group, and at the very least, finish second and qualify for the World Cup.
(Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
Japan’s 0-1 loss to Oman shouldn’t have Australia concerned. Their loss doesn’t really say that much about Oman because Japan were terrible.
The fact that they let a team ranked 50 spots below them dominate the game at home speaks volumes. They played scared, lacked any sort of ideas in attack, and couldn’t transition from defence to attack effectively.
The manager Hajime Moriyasu starts overrated players, deploys confusing tactics, and benches quality players such as Kubo Doan and Kyogo Furuhashi. In other words, he’s the Mikel Arteta of Asia.
If they get their act together quickly, they could very well be in the hunt for a spot in the World Cup. But there’s no reason to trust Moriyasu.
Japan may beat Saudi Arabia next month and follow it up with a loss to Vietnam. If they don’t improve, however, they stand no chance of qualifying.
Saudi Arabia are playing well, however they have trouble converting their chances. Just look at the game against Vietnam for example.
They had 21 total shots but had to rely on two penalties and a red card in order to secure the win. Even if they start to play better and actually convert their chances, playing up to Australia’s level will be a steep task.
Oman were bang average. Any of the other sides in the group would’ve beaten Japan 2-0 or 3-0.
In fact, the game should’ve ended 0-0 but Oman got lucky that Naomichi Ueda couldn’t mark his man. The game said more about Japan than about Oman.
The Socceroos should be able to defeat them next month.
Blood Dragon
Roar Rookie
It’s Japan they will turn it around and from what I understand Japan has Issues getting Players from Europe in the last break Australia’s squad is all over the place and has only played China and Vietnam so far I expect a Draw against Oman and a loss to Japan in the next International Break
Ayian
Roar Rookie
What makes you think that Japan will win the group? They only beat China 1-0 and they lost to Oman at home
Takashi
Guest
I hope so, for Japan, in October, vs Saudi Arabia and Australia, very important but very tough month. Samurai Blues, most of pkayers are playing in Europe. In October, still their peak has not yet came. More a month, they need. But we need to earn 4 points ( a win and a draw ) in 2 matches in October.
TenTribesOfTexas
Guest
If the Roos win the next 2 games they will almost certainly qualify. Japan would have lost 2 games if Roos defeat them and will then struggle to make top two in the group.
Blood Dragon
Roar Rookie
Australia won't Qualify Automatically, the Japanese will win the group with the Saudis finishing 2nd through Australia should finish 3rd and make the Intercontinental playoff but that's going to be tough for them regardless of who they draw as the CONMEBOL rep is always tough, Canada or Jamaica from CONCACAF is going to be tough and even the "easiest" option in New Zealand is going through a golden generation
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
Whilst I agree there is no need for panic, at the same time I'd argue against a call for hubris.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
Because it was so easy last time? Third in the group , late winner in first play off. Asia cup 2019, Australia were 2nd in their group with 6 groups. round of 16 penalties .lost in the quarter finals.
Roberto Bettega
Roar Rookie
You'd have to be an extremely pessimistic Australian football fan to think the socceroos are not going to qualify for the next WC.
Grem
Roar Rookie
Even after reading this I'll still sit nervously glued to Channel 10 or Paramount hoping we qualify. I hope we qualify and will not be surprised if we do, but all Asian teams in our group are capable of winning against any other team. I am taking nothing for granted.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
Saudi Arabia has 2 wins so its very much up in the air, when you have one of the rich oil countries there is a history of suspicious things happening to aid them , last time around it was Thailand despite being a dead rubber for them played with desperation against Australia in Melbourne. Saudi Arabia then comes second on goal difference. The win against Vietnam was absolutely crucial.