Japan vs. Australia, 2014 World Cup qualifying: Preview and TV schedule
Australia held on for a draw the first time these two sides met in qualifying. Can the Socceroos delay Japan’s qualification for the World Cup for another round?
Both Japan and Australia have been hampered by injuries throughout qualifying so far, but saw their best European-based players emerge from the club season unscathed. Japan has all of Keisuke Honda, Shinji Kagawa, Hiroshi Kiyotake and Shinji Okazaki healthy, presenting some selection dilemmas in attacking midfield. Australia welcome the return of Joshua Kennedy, their talented Japanese-based target man who should play a big part, whether he starts the match or comes off the bench.
Australia currently sit third in Group B, in a playoff spot. They have a game in hand on second-placed Jordan and fourth-placed Oman, but the tight nature of the group means that their situation is a tumultuous one. Oman only trail them on goal differential, while Iraq are behind by just one point. A loss to Japan would put them in a sticky situation, but a draw puts them in control of their own destiny.
Match date/time: Wednesday, 6:30 a.m. ET
Venue: Saitama Stadium, Saitama, Japan
TV: One World Sports (U.S.), Eurosport (U.K.), FOX Sports (Australia)
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