Live updates: Japan vs Socceroos, FIFA World Cup qualifier in ...
The Socceroos have never beaten Japan on their home turf, and face an uphill battle to do so in Saitama in Tony Popovic's second game in charge.
Despite beating China 3-1 last time out, Popovic has made six changes to his starting line up, although his side's preparations were hampered by a traffic jam that resulted in their late arrival at the stadium.
Follow all the action in our live blog.
Key Events
Pre-match drama for Socceroos
19 minutes agoTue 15 Oct 2024 at 9:51am
Japan line up
23 minutes agoTue 15 Oct 2024 at 9:46am
Socceroos make major changes
29 minutes agoTue 15 Oct 2024 at 9:40am
Just nowTue 15 Oct 2024 at 10:09am
Socceroos have 'got to be perfect'Heading to Japan to take on the Blue Samurai is a tremendously tough prospect.
So tough, in fact, that Jackson Irvine has one thing to say about how the Socceroos need to play.
They have to be "perfect".
Read more here.
1m agoTue 15 Oct 2024 at 10:08am
The Socceroos are finally out warming upWith just under half an hour before kick off, the Socceroos are finally stepping out onto Saitama Stadium pitch.
It is far from ideal preparation for the Socceroos.
If they weren't up against it enough already...
2m agoTue 15 Oct 2024 at 10:07am
Is this the end for Mat Ryan?With Joe Gauci getting the nod between the sticks and Mat Ryan left out again, where does this leave the 95-time capped keeper?
Gauci, who is playing for Aston Villa in the Premier League, was given the gloves in Adelaide, with the experienced former skipper left out of the matchday squad entirely?
It could be the end of an era with Ryan, currently warming the bench behind Mile Svilar at Roma, not getting game time.
Without playing, how will the 32-year-old force his way back into the line up?
6m agoTue 15 Oct 2024 at 10:03am
What happened last time out?Need a reminder as to how things went down against China?
The Socceroos went behind - very much against the run of play - but eventually prevailed 3-1 to get their first win in this third round of AFC qualifying.
It was far from perfect, but a win was all that mattered after a win-less start to this phase of the campaign.
You can relive the match right here.
10m agoTue 15 Oct 2024 at 9:59am
Debut for Luke BrattanJust five days ago, Luke Brattan was called into the Socceroos squad for these World Cup qualifiers.
It was his first Socceroos call up since being involved in the 2018 squad.
He didn't earn a cap on that occasion, but the 34-year-old will make his debut in the green and gold tonight.
The veteran is an A-League Men legend, winning four championships with Brisbane Roar (three) and Sydney FC, as well as two Australia Cups with Melbourne City and Macarthur.
16m agoTue 15 Oct 2024 at 9:53am
Match previewHere's a run down of the facts and figures ahead of this match, thanks to our friends at Stats Perform.
And here's how the two sides match up across all of Asian qualifying so far.
Key Event
19m agoTue 15 Oct 2024 at 9:51am
The Socceroos have had less-than ideal preparation for tonight's match.
A traffic accident on the freeway has led to a two-hour delay in the Socceroos actually arriving at the Saitama Stadium.
Japan did, according to Paramount Plus, request that the match kick off be delayed, but the match commissioner has denied that request.
The Socceroos are not even out warming up yet...
That's a horrible start.
Key Event
23m agoTue 15 Oct 2024 at 9:46am
Here is how the hosts line up.
(jfa_samuraiblue)Just two changes for Japan following their 2-0 victory in Saudi Arabia on Thursday.
Wataru Endo and Daichi Kamada drop out of the side, replaced by Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka and right-sided Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo.
Key Event
29m agoTue 15 Oct 2024 at 9:40am
Here's how the Socceroos line up against Japan today.
No fewer than SIX changes from the starting XI who beat China in Adelaide.
Jason Geria starts in place of Thomas Deng at the back, and Cam Burgess gets the nod over Kye Rowles.
In midfield, Jordy Bos starts, as does Luke Brattan and Ajdin Hrustic.
Aiden O'Neill is out with illness, meaning 34-year-old Macarthur midfielder Brattan gets his long-awaited debut.
Riley McGree, who was excellent when he came on at half time in Adelaide, also starts this time around, as Nestory Irankunda and Craig Goodwin drop to the bench.
Key Event
35m agoTue 15 Oct 2024 at 9:34am
It's a bit of a late one tonight.
A 7:35pm kick off local time means a 9:35pm AEDT.
So that means...
9:35pm in New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and the ACT.9:05pm in South Australia.8:35pm in Queensland.8:05pm in the Northern Territory.6:35pm in Western Australia.42m agoTue 15 Oct 2024 at 9:27am
Socceroos take on JapanGood evening football fans and welcome to the ABC Sport live coverage of the Socceroo's tough World Cup qualification test against Japan in Saitama.
The Socceroos come into this game off the back of a much-needed, confidence-boosting victory over China at Adelaide Oval last Thursday.
But this is going to be a different test entirely, an in-form Japan team that has scored 14 goals without reply in their last three qualification matches, backed by around 60,000 passionate supporters.
My name is Simon Smale and I'll be guiding you through all the action as it happens over there in Saitama - I'm glad that you've joined me.
