Socceroos caught in Japan missile crisis ahead of World Cup qualifier

FOOTBALL Federation Australia says it is taking all necessary precautions to protect the Socceroos squad in Tokyo after North Korean missiles were fired over Japan this morning.

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FOOTBALL Federation Australia says it is taking all necessary precautions to protect the Socceroos squad in Tokyo after North Korean missiles were fired over Japan this morning.

North Korea launched what’s believed to be a ballistic missile from Pyongyang around 5.57am local time (6.57am AEST) in an act Japanese President Shinzo Abe described as an “unprecedented grave threat”.

The Japanese military did not attempt to shoot down the missile, which passed over Japanese territory 6.06am local time (7.06am AEST).

The Socceroos are in Tokyo ahead of Thursday night’s World Cup qualifier against the Blue Samurai.

Australia's forward Robbie Kruse.

The FFA released a statement today saying the situation in Japan was being monitored.

“Football Federation Australia is aware of this morning’s reports,” an FFA spokesman said.

“Security assessments are made for all Socceroos matches at home and abroad with appropriate precautions in place.

“When overseas and wherever necessary Socceroos management liaises with Australian Government representatives on matters of security.”

The Japanese government might be in uproar over the missile but that doesn’t mean the Socceroos were fazed.

The missile broke into three pieces and was fired into the East Sea. Picture: AFP

So focused is the Australian team on Thursday night’s crucial match in Saitama that star attacker Robbie Kruse didn’t even know about North Korea’s firing of a rocket over the northern part of the country until told by Australian reporters.

Morning TV news services were entirely dedicated to the escalating tensions in the region, with pictures splashed over the screens of a missile launch and of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

But life was continuing as normal in the heart of Tokyo.

And in the Socceroos camp, it seems.

“To be honest, I didn’t even know it happened,” Kruse said.

WHAT HAPPENED IN JAPAN? YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED 

Originally published as Socceroos caught in Japan missile crisis ahead of World Cup qualifier