Vietnam is still looking for its first points and travels to Muscat to take on Oman, level on three points with Japan. The visitor, aiming to return to the global stage for the first time since its debut appearance in 2002, picked up a first win in the group on Thursday, defeating Vietnam 3-2 thanks to a last-minute Wu Lei goal. Saudi Arabia can make it four wins out of four to stay on course for a sixth World Cup appearance when it hosts China. “But to me it’s all about going to Japan and getting ready for Japan in Japan and making it 12.” “It’s something we’ll probably reflect on in the future and what a great feat it has been, especially playing 10 out of 11 games away from home,” said Australia coach Graham Arnold. “If we don’t give up, I believe we can still win a ticket to the World Cup,” the 53-year-old added.Īustralia, on course for a fifth successive World Cup, arrives in Japan full of confidence after winning its last 11 games. “We got tired and lost our rhythm, that’s when they capitalized and scored,” Moriyasu said. It also increased criticism of coach Hajime Moriyasu.

The most recent loss, which came after a shock home defeat against Oman in September, was full of uncharacteristic errors and misplaced passes.

With just the top two of the six-team group automatically qualifying for the World Cup, Japan is already six points behind Australia and Saudi Arabia in Group B.Ī 1-0 loss to Saudi Arabia in Jeddah last Thursday has raised questions why Japan, with a team full of European-based stars such as Liverpool’s Takumi Minamino, Kyogo Furuhashi of Celtic and Arsenal’s Takehiro Tomiyasu, is struggling. In contrast, the Socceroos are in excellent form and will take a huge step towards Qatar with a win. SEOUL-With two defeats out of three games already in World Cup qualification, Japan needs to beat Australia on Tuesday in Saitama or face the genuine prospect of missing out on the World Cup for the first time since 1994.

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