Soccer: Australia face huge Japan hurdle

Australia will be out to pull off a big shock when they take on Japan in their latest World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.

The Socceroos got their campaign back on track with a 3-1 win over China last week, but there are bigger tests to come.

And it does not get much harder than a trip to take on a Japan side who are flying high at the top of the group after winning their opening three games.

Australia do not have a great record in Japan, but following the confidence-boosting win over China, they can head there in good spirits.

The race for second spot in Group C is tight to say the least and the Socceroos will be desperate to get a positive result in Tokyo.

However, it will be easier said than done, with Japan the hot fancies to get the three points.

. What: Japan v Australia
. Where: Saitama Stadium, Tokyo, Japan
. When: 20:35 (AEST) Tuesday 15th October, 2024
. How to watch: Channel 10
. Odds: Japan 1.36, Draw 4.75, Australia 9.00

Socceroos out to break hoodoo

The Socceroos do not have a great record against Japan, but will be doing all they can to rewrite history when they clash on Tuesday.

Australia have travelled to Japan on seven occasions, losing all seven games, which shows the magnitude of the task that awaits them.

However, records are there to be broken and Tony Popovic’s men will be giving it their best shot.

Socceroos striker Mitch Duke is enjoying his second spell playing his club football in Japan and he believes they have what it takes to get the job done.

He says Australia are going there to get the three points and being the underdogs could work in their favour.

The Socceroos are used to teams sitting back, making life hard, but against Japan the space could be there for them to exploit.

Duke’s experience of playing in Japan could help and he could turn out to be a huge threat for the Socceroos.

Indeed, he enjoyed club success on his last trip to the Saitama Stadium and is priced at 5.00 to score a goal at anytime.

The Socceroos have managed to pick up a couple of draws in Japan and would no doubt take the same again - a 1-1 draw can be backed at 9.00.

Japan are flying high

Japan are taking Group C by storm and have won their opening three games, scoring 14 goals and conceding none in the process.

They will be out to put Australia to the sword in a similar fashion and over 2.5 goals in the game can be backed at 1.60.

Japan have goal threats all over the park after beating China 7-0, Bahrain 5-0 and Saudi Arabia 2-0.

Kodi Ogawa will be out to add to the goal he scored against Saudi Arabia in the last game and is 4.75 to score the first goal of the game in Saitama, or 2.20 to find the net at anytime.

bet365 News Team

• Australia Men's Football Team
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