World Cup qualifiers, Japan v Socceroos: Hero, young gun, benched for Japan clash

History is against the Socceroos but Australia could spring an almighty upset if a piece of Tony Popovic’s past can be recreated when they face Japan, and new coach has sprung a selection shock. Follow the action here live tonight.

History is riding against the Socceroos but Australia could spring an almighty upset if a piece of Tony Popovic’s past can be relived.

The recently-appointed Socceroos coach was part of the Australian squad that beat Japan 3-1 in Kaiserslautern 18 years ago.

Australia’s famous victory over the Samurai Blue at the 2006 FIFA World Cup was the win which set up the Socceroos’ memorable run to the round-of-16, where they were beaten 1-0 by eventual champions Italy.

It was that World Cup run which reinvigorated football in this country

Australia's Tony Popovic, left, and Lucas Neill during Australia’s World Cup clash with Brazil in 2006. Popovic is now the Socceroos coach. Picture: AP

“That was a special day in 2006,” Popovic said on Monday night.

“I’m still smiling about that result, and I’m hopeful that (on Tuesday) night I can be smiling again, but I also understand that Japanese football has improved immensely.”

In contrast, the Socceroos of today aren’t at the level of the “Golden Generation” that Popovic the player was a part of.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 10: Nishan Velupillay of the Socceroos celebrates after scoring his teams third goal with Riley McGree of the Socceroos during the third round FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Australia Socceroos and China PR at Adelaide Oval on October 10, 2024 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

However, in his first game as national coach last Thursday night, Popovic guided the Socceroos to a 3-1 win over China in Adelaide to lift confidence in the team going into the daunting World Cup battle against a red-hot Japanese outfit.

The Socceroos haven’t beaten Japan since 2009.

In the nine meeting between the teams since then, the Australians have managed only three draws, suffering losses on the other six occasions.

Follow the action here live from 9.35pm (AEDT).

Originally published as World Cup qualifiers, Japan v Socceroos: Hero, young gun, benched for Japan clash