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.
Precious few Australians know what it is like to experience joy at Saitama Stadium, Japan’s national footballing cauldron, just north of Tokyo.
In May, Duke came off the bench against Urawa Red Diamonds, the club side that calls Saitama home on a week-to-week basis, and won 2-1. Two of his teammates are in Japan’s star-studded squad; on Tuesday, they will reunite there for a crucial World Cup qualifier, and the only people who seem to think the Socceroos can win it are themselves.
“No one’s even mentioning the record,” Duke said. “I’ve not heard any of the boys or the coaching staff or anyone mention about our previous history. It’s about what we do on Tuesday.”. Japan are, of course, streaking away on top of the group, which means the second direct spot on offer in this round for 2026 will probably be a straight shootout between Australia and Saudi Arabia, who meet for the first time next month in Melbourne.
It’s been a while since the Socceroos played with such attacking variation, but it’s one thing doing it against China and another against a team like the world No.16-ranked Samurai Blue. Then again, as the 2022 World Cup showed, this is a side that usually struggles against minnows but tends to rise to the level of higher-calibre opponents.
“He’s had such a short time to instil this with the boys. Everyone’s taken that on board, really tried to do it. We stuck to it, even though we went 1-0 down – no one panicked, no one started just popping long balls. We believed in what we were doing, and we got the job done.”
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
‘Great chance to shock the favourites’: Rejuvenated Socceroos up for a blue in JapanThe 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.
Read more »
‘Extremely honoured’: Aussie great confirmed as new Socceroos coachPremier League: Manchester City and Arsenal had a controversial 2 all draw, while Brighton and Nottingham Forest also had a dramatic draw.
Read more »
‘No one is entitled to that shirt’: How Popovic plans to make Socceroos great againThree days after Graham Arnold’s shock exit was publicised, his replacement has been unveiled - and has vowed to restore the fading pride in the Australian jersey.
Read more »
‘No one is entitled to that shirt’: How Popovic plans to make Socceroos great againThree days after Graham Arnold’s shock exit was publicised, his replacement has been unveiled - and has vowed to restore the fading pride in the Australian jersey.
Read more »
‘No one is entitled to that shirt’: How Popovic plans to make Socceroos great againThree days after Graham Arnold’s shock exit was publicised, his replacement has been unveiled - and has vowed to restore the fading pride in the Australian jersey.
Read more »
New-look Socceroos shift focus to ‘beautiful challenge’ in JapanA 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.
Read more »