Australia
2nd in FIFA World Cup Qualifying - AFC2023 Fixtures
Three at the back, two wing-backs bombing forward and the ability to change things at the break. Australia now knows what to expect from Tony Popovic's Socceroos.
A Cameron Burgess own-goal denied the Socceroos what would have been a huge World Cup qualifying win over Japan.
Japan will not be underestimating Australia despite being favourites for Tuesday's Asian World Cup qualifying clash.
Australian football's ties to Hiroshima run deep, as former teammates Tony Popovic and Hajime Moriyasu prepare to lead their nations in a crucial Asian qualification clash.
With 20 wins in their last 22 games, Japan are in the type of form that could cause major shockwaves at the 2026 World Cup.
Australia offer more than resilience, determination, and "bouncebackability", with further improvement to come.
New coach Tony Popovic has steered the Socceroos to a 3-1 victory against China to revitalise hopes of qualifying for the World Cup.
Japan's march to the 2026 FIFA World Cup will meet two major hurdles in Saudi Arabia and Australia over the next week.
Nashville SC's Patrick Yazbek has been called up to replace Massimo Luongo after the Ipswich Town star was forced to withdraw from Australia's World Cup qualifiers due to an ankle injury.
Tony Popovic has revealed his first squad as Socceroos coach with midfielder Massimo Luongo coming out of international retirement.
WCQ - AFC Table
# | TEAM | GP | GD | PTS |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Japan | 4 | +14 | 10 |
2 | Australia | 4 | +1 | 5 |
3 | Saudi Arabia | 4 | -1 | 5 |
4 | Bahrain | 4 | -4 | 5 |
5 | Indonesia | 4 | -1 | 3 |
6 | China | 4 | -9 | 3 |
Team Leaders
Top Scorers
# | Player | Goals | M | A |
---|---|---|---|---|
Craig Goodwin | 3 | 7 | 3 | |
Harry Souttar | 2 | 9 | 0 | |
Mitchell Duke | 2 | 9 | 0 |
Top Assists
# | Player | Assists | M | G |
---|---|---|---|---|
Craig Goodwin | 3 | 7 | 3 | |
Jordan Bos | 2 | 7 | 0 | |
Jackson Irvine | 1 | 10 | 0 |