World qualifiers: Australia-Japan, precedents in favor of Nagatomo’s national team

Two rounds at the end of the group stage of Asia and Oceania for Qatar 2022. Australia hosts Japan: kick-off on Thursday at 10.10 Italian. Coach Arnold’s team drew 2-2 in the last game with Oman, while the Japanese national team won 2-0 against Saudi Arabia.

LATEST RESULTS

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Leading group B is Saudi Arabia with 19 points, Japan chases 18: third Australia with 15. The first two of each group go directly to the World Cup, the third will play the play-off with the other of the group B. The winner of that challenge will participate in the intercontinental playoffs. Arnold’s team has so far totaled four wins, three draws and one defeat: the only knockout came against the Japanese in the first leg in Japan (2-1). Moriyasu’s group have won six wins and two defeats, never a draw. And he lined up five straight wins. On the last day scheduled the direct clash between Australia and Saudi Arabia, Japan will face Vietnam last with just 3 points.

PREVIOUS

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There are 22 total challenges between the two national teams. The balance of the precedents is clearly in favor of the Japanese: 11 wins against 5 won by the opponents, 6 draws. In the last two precedents Japan has always won, the last victory of Australia dates back to 2009. Arrived during the qualifiers for the World Cup in South Africa: 2-1 with a brace from Cahill and a goal from Tulio. If successful, Arnold’s team would end a winless streak that has lasted for thirteen years. Nagatomo and his team mates have the best defense of the group: only three goals conceded in eight games. In the last four games, goalkeeper Gonda has kept a clean sheet. Japan are firm favorites, but Australia have the last chance to qualify for Qatar 2022 without going through the play-offs. Thursday will go on the pitch at Accor Stadium in Sydney.