🏏 Thu, 5 Jun 2025 22:10 AEDT
Australia
vs
Japan
3-4-2-1 vs 3-4-2-1
Substitutes
Substitutes
Match Preview
- On matchday nine of the Asian final qualifying round, an away clash for leaders Japan (22 points). The previous home meeting in October ended in a 1-1 draw, so now Japan aim for revenge away in Perth.
- Up front, Yuki Ohashi is deployed at centre-forward, a chance to bring his experience at Brighton to the national team. The question is whether the finishing honed in the fierce physical contact of the Premier League can be put to use in breaking down Australia's solid defence.
- The two shadow strikers Daichi Kamada and Yuito Suzuki form a creative combination. The key is whether Kamada's Premier League experience and Suzuki's development in the Bundesliga can get the better of Australia's midfield.
- Australia hand a lone striker role to 18-year-old Irankunda, with hopes pinned on the explosive power of the young talent. The matchup with veteran goalkeeper Mat Ryan will be a major test for Japan's attack.
- Japan's back three is Koki Machida, Ko Watanabe and Daiki Seki, relying on the stability provided by Feyenoord's Watanabe at its core. Their ability to deal with Australia's quick attacks will be tested.
- The four-man midfield of Kota Tawaratsumida, Kaishu Sano, Joel Fujita and Yu Hirakawa controls the game while maintaining a balance between attack and defence. For the 20-year-old Tawaratsumida, this is a prime chance to break through with the national team.
- Australia's Metcalfe and Boyle are an experienced pair of shadow strikers. Against Japan's young centre-back pairing, they will apply pressure with abundant running and accurate passing.
- Takefusa Kubo starts on the bench, with hopes pinned on his impact as a substitute. Attention turns to whether he can contribute to the team's victory with a decisive piece of play that changes the flow of the match.