Calm, composed Socceroos primed to take down Japan
Socceroos coach Tony Popovic is brimming with confidence Australia can beat Japan for the first time since 2009 and earn automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
The arch rivals will lock horns in front of more than 50,000 fans at Perth's Optus Stadium on Thursday night, and there's plenty on the line for the Socceroos.
While Japan (20 points) have already qualified for the World Cup, Australia (13 points) and Saudi Arabia (10 points) are locked in a fight for the second automatic qualifying berth.
If Australia beat an understrength Japan, it will almost certainly be enough to snare a World Cup berth, barring a huge loss in the vicinity of five goals to Saudi Arabia in Jeddah next Tuesday.
The Socceroos' last win over Japan was a 2-1 victory in a World Cup qualifier at the MCG in 2009.
Since then, Japan have won six and drawn four of their 10 matches against Australia.
Australia are desperate to turn the tables.
The Socceroos came close in October, when they snatched a shock lead on enemy territory, only for Japan to fight back for a 1-1 draw.
Popovic feels his side is now ready to snare all three points.
"When that whistle blows, I'm very confident the players will go out there and execute in a very calm, composed manner, with confidence of winning the game," Popovic said.
"I think the growth in development and the way the team has evolved is clear.
"We all see that, we understand there is a lot more growth in us, but we are a much better team than we were in October.
"We set that as a target to be in this position, that we can qualify automatically.
"We just need to finish the job off and we know that we can take a major step by winning.
"It's been a long time since Australia has beaten Japan, but I have a lot of confidence that this group can do that."
Japan have brought across a youth-laden squad missing the likes of regular stars such as Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton & Hove Albion), Daizen Maida (Celtic), Reo Hatate (Celtic), Takumi Minamino (Monaco), Ritsu Doan (Freiburg), Junya Ito (Reims) and Hidemasa Morita (Sporting Lisbon).
Despite that, Popovic is wary of the threat they pose, and is taking nothing for granted.
Australia are also missing a host of players, with Jackson Irvine (foot), Craig Goodwin (foot), Mathew Leckie (hamstring), Nishan Velupillay (ankle) and Nestory Irankunda (hamstring) among a lengthy unavailable list.
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The Advertiser
7 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Socceroos itching to confirm World Cup fate
The Socceroos will move on from the "frustrating" wait to have their tickets to the World Cup finals officially stamped and set their sights on sealing the deal in Saudi Arabia. Aziz Behich's wonderful 90th-minute goal against Japan delivered a 1-0 victory in Perth and almost certainly confirmed direct qualification for next year's tournament in North America. Socceroos players watched together from their hotel as the Saudis beat Bahrain 2-0 overnight, when a draw or loss would have sealed Australia's berth. Tony Popovic's Australia (16 points, plus eight goal difference) are still well and truly in the box seat to finish second behind Japan ahead of Saudi Arabia (13 points, zero goal difference). A win, draw or defeat by less than five goals in Jeddah on Wednesday morning (AEST) will confirm Australia's sixth consecutive World Cup finals appearance. Striker Brandon Borrello said of the Bahrain-Saudi result: "Frustrating. I'll leave it at that. It was probably just frustrating. "We have to approach the game regardless of Bahrain winning or losing. "The boss speaks to his elite standards that we have. It's just got to be the same ... so no-one drops the standards. "Obviously it's frustrating in that sense, but today's a new day, and we've just got to approach it the way we would (normally)." The Socceroos and Saudi Arabia, led by Herve Renard, drew 0-0 last time out in Melbourne. "We have to go to Saudi and get a result. They have to win by five ... we're going there to win regardless," Borrello said. "It's obviously going to be a very heated game but we're up for the challenge." Popovic's charges are now focused on recovery. When asked if sealing qualification in Saudi would be more satisfying than having it confirmed at 3am in their hotel rooms, Borrello said: "I don't think it matters how you qualify, as long as you do qualify." While there were scenes of elation and tears of happiness for the Socceroos on Thursday night, Borrello, who described the win as a reflection of "true-blue Australian grit", was measured on Friday. "I'm being honest - without sounding arrogant, our intention was to go and beat Japan regardless. And that was the way we spoke," Borrello said. "That was the language we used around it: we're going to win. "Obviously, last night, we created a bit of history. It's been a while since we beat Japan, and we knew it was going to happen. "And the boss said pretty much, if we believe in ourselves half as much as what he believes in us, that we're going to win. So that's what we did." The Socceroos will move on from the "frustrating" wait to have their tickets to the World Cup finals officially stamped and set their sights on sealing the deal in Saudi Arabia. Aziz Behich's wonderful 90th-minute goal against Japan delivered a 1-0 victory in Perth and almost certainly confirmed direct qualification for next year's tournament in North America. Socceroos players watched together from their hotel as the Saudis beat Bahrain 2-0 overnight, when a draw or loss would have sealed Australia's berth. Tony Popovic's Australia (16 points, plus eight goal difference) are still well and truly in the box seat to finish second behind Japan ahead of Saudi Arabia (13 points, zero goal difference). A win, draw or defeat by less than five goals in Jeddah on Wednesday morning (AEST) will confirm Australia's sixth consecutive World Cup finals appearance. Striker Brandon Borrello said of the Bahrain-Saudi result: "Frustrating. I'll leave it at that. It was probably just frustrating. "We have to approach the game regardless of Bahrain winning or losing. "The boss speaks to his elite standards that we have. It's just got to be the same ... so no-one drops the standards. "Obviously it's frustrating in that sense, but today's a new day, and we've just got to approach it the way we would (normally)." The Socceroos and Saudi Arabia, led by Herve Renard, drew 0-0 last time out in Melbourne. "We have to go to Saudi and get a result. They have to win by five ... we're going there to win regardless," Borrello said. "It's obviously going to be a very heated game but we're up for the challenge." Popovic's charges are now focused on recovery. When asked if sealing qualification in Saudi would be more satisfying than having it confirmed at 3am in their hotel rooms, Borrello said: "I don't think it matters how you qualify, as long as you do qualify." While there were scenes of elation and tears of happiness for the Socceroos on Thursday night, Borrello, who described the win as a reflection of "true-blue Australian grit", was measured on Friday. "I'm being honest - without sounding arrogant, our intention was to go and beat Japan regardless. And that was the way we spoke," Borrello said. "That was the language we used around it: we're going to win. "Obviously, last night, we created a bit of history. It's been a while since we beat Japan, and we knew it was going to happen. "And the boss said pretty much, if we believe in ourselves half as much as what he believes in us, that we're going to win. So that's what we did." The Socceroos will move on from the "frustrating" wait to have their tickets to the World Cup finals officially stamped and set their sights on sealing the deal in Saudi Arabia. Aziz Behich's wonderful 90th-minute goal against Japan delivered a 1-0 victory in Perth and almost certainly confirmed direct qualification for next year's tournament in North America. Socceroos players watched together from their hotel as the Saudis beat Bahrain 2-0 overnight, when a draw or loss would have sealed Australia's berth. Tony Popovic's Australia (16 points, plus eight goal difference) are still well and truly in the box seat to finish second behind Japan ahead of Saudi Arabia (13 points, zero goal difference). A win, draw or defeat by less than five goals in Jeddah on Wednesday morning (AEST) will confirm Australia's sixth consecutive World Cup finals appearance. Striker Brandon Borrello said of the Bahrain-Saudi result: "Frustrating. I'll leave it at that. It was probably just frustrating. "We have to approach the game regardless of Bahrain winning or losing. "The boss speaks to his elite standards that we have. It's just got to be the same ... so no-one drops the standards. "Obviously it's frustrating in that sense, but today's a new day, and we've just got to approach it the way we would (normally)." The Socceroos and Saudi Arabia, led by Herve Renard, drew 0-0 last time out in Melbourne. "We have to go to Saudi and get a result. They have to win by five ... we're going there to win regardless," Borrello said. "It's obviously going to be a very heated game but we're up for the challenge." Popovic's charges are now focused on recovery. When asked if sealing qualification in Saudi would be more satisfying than having it confirmed at 3am in their hotel rooms, Borrello said: "I don't think it matters how you qualify, as long as you do qualify." While there were scenes of elation and tears of happiness for the Socceroos on Thursday night, Borrello, who described the win as a reflection of "true-blue Australian grit", was measured on Friday. "I'm being honest - without sounding arrogant, our intention was to go and beat Japan regardless. And that was the way we spoke," Borrello said. "That was the language we used around it: we're going to win. "Obviously, last night, we created a bit of history. It's been a while since we beat Japan, and we knew it was going to happen. "And the boss said pretty much, if we believe in ourselves half as much as what he believes in us, that we're going to win. So that's what we did."
The Advertiser
7 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Edict fires two NRL greats into frame for Kangaroos job
The NRL will maintain its stance of prohibiting the Kangaroos coach from having club ties, placing Brad Fittler and Cameron Smith at the front of the queue to replace Mal Meninga. After nine years and two World Cup titles, Meninga has walked away from the Australian Test side to become head coach of the Perth Bears ahead of their inaugural NRL season in 2027. Meninga has been one of the most vocal supporters of the international game's growth and leaves the role with an 89 per cent win rate from 28 Tests. His exit to take the Perth gig leaves the Kangaroos without a coach just five months out from the first Ashes series in more than two decades. Australia will play England in a three-Test series at Wembley, Headingley and Everton's new home ground in November. There has been speculation that South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett would put his hand up to lead Australia. But NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said in Sydney on Friday that the ARL Commission wanted the national team coach to be at arm's length from club football. "We are all very excited for the end-of-season tour, it's been a long time in waiting, and of course we have a World Cup next year. "Today was about announcing Mal as the Perth Bears coach, and now with that secured the commission will turn its attention to the right candidate for the Kangaroos." Smith has no interest to coach at club level, but the 56-Test hooker said this week that the chance to work with the Kangaroos around his commentary commitments was appealing. Fittler, meanwhile, hasn't had a coaching position since parting ways with NSW following the 2023 State of Origin series. The ex-Australian playmaker currently works at the NRL and has received the backing of Phil Gould to lead the Kangaroos' Ashes tour. Meninga has helped restore the Australian team to the top of the international game, while the rise of Tonga and Samoa has left the Kangaroos increasingly fighting for players. "The Kangaroos job is a full-time job, it's not just coaching the team, there's a couple of other commitments," Meninga said. "From a transition point of view I'll hopefully be a part of all that. "I have loved the opportunity to coach the Australian team and build the international program. "I'm satisfied with the job I did with the national program, I'm really comfortable with the fact that I'm moving on." The NRL will maintain its stance of prohibiting the Kangaroos coach from having club ties, placing Brad Fittler and Cameron Smith at the front of the queue to replace Mal Meninga. After nine years and two World Cup titles, Meninga has walked away from the Australian Test side to become head coach of the Perth Bears ahead of their inaugural NRL season in 2027. Meninga has been one of the most vocal supporters of the international game's growth and leaves the role with an 89 per cent win rate from 28 Tests. His exit to take the Perth gig leaves the Kangaroos without a coach just five months out from the first Ashes series in more than two decades. Australia will play England in a three-Test series at Wembley, Headingley and Everton's new home ground in November. There has been speculation that South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett would put his hand up to lead Australia. But NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said in Sydney on Friday that the ARL Commission wanted the national team coach to be at arm's length from club football. "We are all very excited for the end-of-season tour, it's been a long time in waiting, and of course we have a World Cup next year. "Today was about announcing Mal as the Perth Bears coach, and now with that secured the commission will turn its attention to the right candidate for the Kangaroos." Smith has no interest to coach at club level, but the 56-Test hooker said this week that the chance to work with the Kangaroos around his commentary commitments was appealing. Fittler, meanwhile, hasn't had a coaching position since parting ways with NSW following the 2023 State of Origin series. The ex-Australian playmaker currently works at the NRL and has received the backing of Phil Gould to lead the Kangaroos' Ashes tour. Meninga has helped restore the Australian team to the top of the international game, while the rise of Tonga and Samoa has left the Kangaroos increasingly fighting for players. "The Kangaroos job is a full-time job, it's not just coaching the team, there's a couple of other commitments," Meninga said. "From a transition point of view I'll hopefully be a part of all that. "I have loved the opportunity to coach the Australian team and build the international program. "I'm satisfied with the job I did with the national program, I'm really comfortable with the fact that I'm moving on." The NRL will maintain its stance of prohibiting the Kangaroos coach from having club ties, placing Brad Fittler and Cameron Smith at the front of the queue to replace Mal Meninga. After nine years and two World Cup titles, Meninga has walked away from the Australian Test side to become head coach of the Perth Bears ahead of their inaugural NRL season in 2027. Meninga has been one of the most vocal supporters of the international game's growth and leaves the role with an 89 per cent win rate from 28 Tests. His exit to take the Perth gig leaves the Kangaroos without a coach just five months out from the first Ashes series in more than two decades. Australia will play England in a three-Test series at Wembley, Headingley and Everton's new home ground in November. There has been speculation that South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett would put his hand up to lead Australia. But NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said in Sydney on Friday that the ARL Commission wanted the national team coach to be at arm's length from club football. "We are all very excited for the end-of-season tour, it's been a long time in waiting, and of course we have a World Cup next year. "Today was about announcing Mal as the Perth Bears coach, and now with that secured the commission will turn its attention to the right candidate for the Kangaroos." Smith has no interest to coach at club level, but the 56-Test hooker said this week that the chance to work with the Kangaroos around his commentary commitments was appealing. Fittler, meanwhile, hasn't had a coaching position since parting ways with NSW following the 2023 State of Origin series. The ex-Australian playmaker currently works at the NRL and has received the backing of Phil Gould to lead the Kangaroos' Ashes tour. Meninga has helped restore the Australian team to the top of the international game, while the rise of Tonga and Samoa has left the Kangaroos increasingly fighting for players. "The Kangaroos job is a full-time job, it's not just coaching the team, there's a couple of other commitments," Meninga said. "From a transition point of view I'll hopefully be a part of all that. "I have loved the opportunity to coach the Australian team and build the international program. "I'm satisfied with the job I did with the national program, I'm really comfortable with the fact that I'm moving on."
The Advertiser
7 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Popovic delivers special message after Japan success
The Japan hoodoo is over, but Socceroos coach Tony Popovic has a stern message for his players: The job isn't done yet. Australia all but locked in a spot for the 2026 World Cup after Aziz Behich's 90th-minute stunner lifted the Socceroos to a 1-0 win over Japan in Perth on Thursday night. The 'all but' quantifier comes due to the fact Saudi Arabia are technically still in the hunt to steal the Socceroos' automatic qualifier spot. The Saudis (13 points) kept their hopes alive by beating Bahrain 2-0 just hours after the Socceroos' win. Australia (16 points, plus eight goal difference) are still well and truly in the box seat. But if Saudi Arabia (13 points, zero goal difference) beat the Socceroos by five goals or more in Jeddah next Tuesday in the final match of the current qualifying phase, Australia will miss out on an automatic World Cup berth. Given Saudi Arabia have scored only six goals across nine matches, that scenario is unlikely, but Popovic doesn't want to take any chances. "We need to do a job in Saudi," Popovic said. "We're in a great position, but we have to finish it off. "It's been a really intense period since I've come in, but everyone's embraced what we're aiming to do. "We're very close now to achieving our goal." Thursday night's win in front of 57,226 fans marked the Socceroos' first victory over Japan since 2009, and inflicted a first loss on the Samurai Blue since their defeat to Iran at the Asian Cup in 2023. But it was far from a pretty display by the Socceroos against what was effectively a Japanese B team. Given they had already secured their World Cup berth, Japan's starting XI against Australia featured a total of nine players with four caps or less, including three debutants. Despite that Japan dominated for almost the entire match, finishing with 69 per cent possession and creating the better chances until Behich's late heroics. Popovic was proud of his team's defensive grit and believed getting a win over Japan - albeit against a severely depleted opponent - was significant. "They (our players) know they've done something that hasn't been done for quite a while," Popovic said. "We kept a clean sheet, and we've done something that many Australian sides have found hard to do. "Japan have been on a wonderful run and there's a reason for that. "They are the best (in Asia) and we want to challenge them to be the best. "We shouldn't shy away from that and hopefully we take a big step forward knowing we can beat Japan." Socceroos defender Milos Degenek said his side wouldn't take an ultra conservative approach into the game against Saudi Arabia. "You don't go into any game thinking, 'Oh, we just don't want to lose 4-0'," Degenek said. "You go in wanting to win the game. Very simple." The Japan hoodoo is over, but Socceroos coach Tony Popovic has a stern message for his players: The job isn't done yet. Australia all but locked in a spot for the 2026 World Cup after Aziz Behich's 90th-minute stunner lifted the Socceroos to a 1-0 win over Japan in Perth on Thursday night. The 'all but' quantifier comes due to the fact Saudi Arabia are technically still in the hunt to steal the Socceroos' automatic qualifier spot. The Saudis (13 points) kept their hopes alive by beating Bahrain 2-0 just hours after the Socceroos' win. Australia (16 points, plus eight goal difference) are still well and truly in the box seat. But if Saudi Arabia (13 points, zero goal difference) beat the Socceroos by five goals or more in Jeddah next Tuesday in the final match of the current qualifying phase, Australia will miss out on an automatic World Cup berth. Given Saudi Arabia have scored only six goals across nine matches, that scenario is unlikely, but Popovic doesn't want to take any chances. "We need to do a job in Saudi," Popovic said. "We're in a great position, but we have to finish it off. "It's been a really intense period since I've come in, but everyone's embraced what we're aiming to do. "We're very close now to achieving our goal." Thursday night's win in front of 57,226 fans marked the Socceroos' first victory over Japan since 2009, and inflicted a first loss on the Samurai Blue since their defeat to Iran at the Asian Cup in 2023. But it was far from a pretty display by the Socceroos against what was effectively a Japanese B team. Given they had already secured their World Cup berth, Japan's starting XI against Australia featured a total of nine players with four caps or less, including three debutants. Despite that Japan dominated for almost the entire match, finishing with 69 per cent possession and creating the better chances until Behich's late heroics. Popovic was proud of his team's defensive grit and believed getting a win over Japan - albeit against a severely depleted opponent - was significant. "They (our players) know they've done something that hasn't been done for quite a while," Popovic said. "We kept a clean sheet, and we've done something that many Australian sides have found hard to do. "Japan have been on a wonderful run and there's a reason for that. "They are the best (in Asia) and we want to challenge them to be the best. "We shouldn't shy away from that and hopefully we take a big step forward knowing we can beat Japan." Socceroos defender Milos Degenek said his side wouldn't take an ultra conservative approach into the game against Saudi Arabia. "You don't go into any game thinking, 'Oh, we just don't want to lose 4-0'," Degenek said. "You go in wanting to win the game. Very simple." The Japan hoodoo is over, but Socceroos coach Tony Popovic has a stern message for his players: The job isn't done yet. Australia all but locked in a spot for the 2026 World Cup after Aziz Behich's 90th-minute stunner lifted the Socceroos to a 1-0 win over Japan in Perth on Thursday night. The 'all but' quantifier comes due to the fact Saudi Arabia are technically still in the hunt to steal the Socceroos' automatic qualifier spot. The Saudis (13 points) kept their hopes alive by beating Bahrain 2-0 just hours after the Socceroos' win. Australia (16 points, plus eight goal difference) are still well and truly in the box seat. But if Saudi Arabia (13 points, zero goal difference) beat the Socceroos by five goals or more in Jeddah next Tuesday in the final match of the current qualifying phase, Australia will miss out on an automatic World Cup berth. Given Saudi Arabia have scored only six goals across nine matches, that scenario is unlikely, but Popovic doesn't want to take any chances. "We need to do a job in Saudi," Popovic said. "We're in a great position, but we have to finish it off. "It's been a really intense period since I've come in, but everyone's embraced what we're aiming to do. "We're very close now to achieving our goal." Thursday night's win in front of 57,226 fans marked the Socceroos' first victory over Japan since 2009, and inflicted a first loss on the Samurai Blue since their defeat to Iran at the Asian Cup in 2023. But it was far from a pretty display by the Socceroos against what was effectively a Japanese B team. Given they had already secured their World Cup berth, Japan's starting XI against Australia featured a total of nine players with four caps or less, including three debutants. Despite that Japan dominated for almost the entire match, finishing with 69 per cent possession and creating the better chances until Behich's late heroics. Popovic was proud of his team's defensive grit and believed getting a win over Japan - albeit against a severely depleted opponent - was significant. "They (our players) know they've done something that hasn't been done for quite a while," Popovic said. "We kept a clean sheet, and we've done something that many Australian sides have found hard to do. "Japan have been on a wonderful run and there's a reason for that. "They are the best (in Asia) and we want to challenge them to be the best. "We shouldn't shy away from that and hopefully we take a big step forward knowing we can beat Japan." Socceroos defender Milos Degenek said his side wouldn't take an ultra conservative approach into the game against Saudi Arabia. "You don't go into any game thinking, 'Oh, we just don't want to lose 4-0'," Degenek said. "You go in wanting to win the game. Very simple."
