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Jackson Irvine scores Australia’s first goal during their match against China in Hangzhou.

One last push, and the Socceroos can book their spot at the 2026 World Cup

The equation is simple for Australia after their 2-0 victory in China: win their next match and they’ll seal qualification for next year’s tournament.

  • Vince Rugari

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Hayley Raso tackles Yui Hasegawa.

Miserable Cup opener for Matildas as they suffer 4-0 defeat by Japan

Australia suffered their heaviest loss to Japan in the SheBelieves Cup in Houston on Friday morning (Australia time).

  • Frances Howe
Tony Popovic in the dugout at Saitama Stadium on Tuesday night.

Why ugly is beautiful for the Socceroos

Five things we learnt from Tony Popovic’s first two fixtures in charge of Australia, as the national team stays in the hunt for direct World Cup qualification.

  • Emma Kemp
Australia’s players celebrate Japan’s own goal at Saitama Stadium.

Socceroos park the bus – eventually – to snatch a priceless point against Japan

The draw against the Samurai Blue completes an encouraging first window in charge for Tony Popovic, who has steered Australia’s World Cup qualification campaign back on track.

  • Vince Rugari
The Socceroos celebrate their third goal.

As it happened: Own goals only as Socceroos hold Japan to draw in World Cup qualifier

Tony Popovic’s Australia are out to defy history and build momentum against the Samurai Blue.

  • Emma Kemp
Japanese star Kaoru Mitoma, who plays for Brighton in the Premier League.

How Japan became the soccer nation Australia wishes it could be

The Samurai Blue have been faultless so far in World Cup qualifying, their success underpinned by an ambitious 100-year plan for the game. Meanwhile, Australian soccer...

  • Vince Rugari
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Harry Souttar of the Socceroos competes with Behram Abduweli of China during last week’s match’

The ‘Willy Wonka’ moment that put Harry Souttar back on track for Socceroos

A change in club has proved the world of difference for the Australian defender.

  • Anna Harrington
Craig Goodwin celebrates the Socceroos’ second goal against China.

‘Great chance to shock the favourites’: Rejuvenated Socceroos up for a blue in Japan

The Socceroos have beaten the Samurai Blue just once in 12 meetings since the famous Tim Cahill-inspired 3-1 win in Kaiserslautern at the 2006 World Cup, but they will face the runaway group leaders with renewed confidence after a first-up win over China under new coach Tony Popovic.

  • Vince Rugari
Tony Popovic shakes hands with Socceroos star Craig Goodwin, the man of the match against China.

New-look Socceroos shift focus to ‘beautiful challenge’ in Japan

A draw on Tuesday night would be a fabulous result for the Socceroos, but coach Tony Popovic believes they are capable of springing a massive upset over their great rivals.

  • Vince Rugari
Mitchell Duke with Machida Zelvia coach Go Kuroda, who has the newly-promoted side on top of the J1.League table with 11 rounds to go.

Big in Japan: The Socceroo in the middle of world football’s ultimate underdog tale

It’s the J.League’s answer to Leicester City: a team of no-name battlers, managed by an ex-high school coach, which is on track to win the title in their first top-flight season.

  • Vince Rugari

Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/topic/japan-soccer-jqp