FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC) - Australia VS Japan Prediciton
FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC) - Australia VS Japan
Match Time:05-06-2025 19:10 Thursday (GMT+8)
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips
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Team Reviews
Australia
Australia, under coach Tony Popovic, are second in Group C with 13 points (W3 D4 L1), three points ahead of Saudi Arabia. The Socceroos have found form, winning their last two qualifiers: 5-1 against Indonesia and 2-0 against China. They dominated the second round, scoring 22 goals without conceding. Key players include Jackson Irvine (captain, scoring twice against Indonesia), Craig Goodwin (5 goals, 5 assists in last 10 games), and defenders Harry Souttar and Cameron Burgess. However, injuries to Alessandro Circati, Connor Metcalfe, and Jackson Irvine’s doubtful status are concerns. Australia’s attack is potent (2.2 goals per match in recent qualifiers), but they’ve kept only one clean sheet in their last five games.
Japan
Japan, led by Hajime Moriyasu, have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, topping Group C with 20 points (W6 D2) and an unbeaten record. They’ve scored 24 goals and conceded just 2 in eight matches, showcasing defensive solidity and attacking flair. Recent results include a 2-0 win over Bahrain and a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia. With qualification secured, Moriyasu has named an inexperienced squad, omitting stars like Kaoru Mitoma, Ao Tanaka, and Hidemasa Morita, and including seven uncapped players and veterans Yuto Nagatomo and Wataru Endo. Japan’s depth remains strong, but this experimental lineup may lack cohesion.
Head-to-Head Analysis
Australia and Japan have met 14 times since 1956, with Japan leading 6-2 (6 draws). Recent matches include:
Oct 2024 (Saitama): Japan 1-1 Australia (own goals by Shogo Taniguchi and Cameron Burgess).
Nov 2021 (World Cup Qualifier): Australia 0-0 Japan.
Oct 2021 (World Cup Qualifier): Japan 2-1 Australia. Goals average 2.33 per game, with both teams scoring in 50% of recent clashes. Australia are unbeaten in their last three home games against Japan (W1 D2).
Prediction: Australia 2-1 Japan
Australia’s home advantage, recent form, and attacking momentum under Popovic give them a slight edge. Japan’s experimental squad, while talented, may struggle for cohesion, especially against Australia’s aggressive style. Both teams’ scoring trends (Australia 2.2 goals per match, Japan 3.0) and defensive lapses (Australia conceding in 4/5 recent games) suggest a high-scoring game. A win would nearly secure Australia’s World Cup qualification.
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