It's crunch time for the Socceroos.
Australia's 2-2 draw with Oman last month means direct World Cup qualification still hangs firmly in the balance.
Now Graham Arnold's Socceroos side face a tough task in the form of Asian juggernauts Japan.
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With a direct plane ticket straight to Qatar within grasp for the victor, this fascinating clash has all the ingredients for an instant classic.
Even a draw against Japan means Australia will be one step closer to Doha - but this isn't a team that plays for draws.
Here's everything you need to know ahead of the World Cup Qualifier!
Start Time:
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8:10pm AEDT on Thursday, 24 March
How To Watch:
There are tickets still available to the game at Stadium Australia, Sydney Olympic Park if you fancy an epic Thursday night atmosphere. Tickets are available at Ticketek.
Luckily, for all Socceroos fans the game will be broadcast exclusively live and free across the country on Network 10 and available to stream on 10 Play.
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Last 5 Fixtures:
12 October, 2021: Japan 2-1 Australia (2022 WC Qualifier)
31 August, 2017: Japan 2-0 Australia (2018 WC Qualifier)
11 October, 2016: Australia 1-1 Japan (2018 WC Qualifier)
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18 November, 2014: Japan 2-1 Australia (International friendly)
25 July, 2013: Japan 3-2 Australia (East Asian Cup)
Team News:
Nathaniel Atkinson (Hearts, Scotland), Aziz Behich (Giresunspor, Turkey), Martin Boyle (Al-Faisaly, Saudi Arabia), Nick D'Agostino (Melbourne Victory), Milos Degenek (Columbus Crew, USA), Mitchell Duke (Fagiano Okayama, Japan), Bruno Fornaroli (Perth Glory), Denis Genreau (Toulouse, France), Craig Goodwin (Adelaide United), Rhyan Grant (Sydney FC), Ajdin Hrustic (Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany), Jackson Irvine (St. Pauli, Germany), James Jeggo (KAS Eupen), Fran Karacic (Brescia, Italy), Joel King (Odense Boldklub, Denmark), Mathew Leckie (Melbourne City), Awer Mabil (Kasimpasa SK, Turkey), Jamie Maclaren (Melbourne City), Connor Metcalfe, Andrew Redmayne (Sydney FC), Tom Rogic (Celtic, Scotland), Kye Rowles (Central Coast Mariners), Mat Ryan (Real Sociedad, Spain), Trent Sainsbury (KV Kortrijk, Belgium), Gianni Stemsness (Viking FK, Denmark), Marco Tilio (Melbourne City), Danny Vukovic (NEC Nijmegen, Netherlands).
Ramifications:
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The way the Asian World Cup Qualification standings are currently set, this game can be the difference between guaranteed qualification for the Socceroos or having to go through two more rounds of qualifying - with the team needing two wins from their final two games to directly qualify for the World Cup in November.
Graham Arnold's men currently sit three points behind Japan in third position in Group B, with the top two teams guaranteed qualification into the World Cup in Qatar and the third-placed teams from both Group A and B facing off in the fourth round of qualifying.
If Australia were to win the third-place playoff they would then be set to play against the fifth-placed team from South American qualifying at the inter-confederation play-offs, with the winner advancing to the World Cup Finals.
If Australia lose against Japan that will guarantee them third spot in Group B, if they triumph over the Samurai Blue they will overtake them in second position, with their final test against Saudi Arabia on March 29 deciding their fate.
Players To Look Out For:
Bruno Fornaroli - The surprise call-up for the Uruguayan forward who has become one of the most exciting players in the A-League since arriving in 2015.
At 34 years of age, he is set to make his debut for the Socceroos after seven years of lighting it up for Perth Glory and Melbourne City, with 81 goals across 138 matches.
Perth Glory coach Richard Garcia believes he will be an asset for Arnold's side.
"He brings experience, quality, finishing ability. I don't think Bruno feels pressure," Garcia said.
"It will be a different proposition when he's got the quality that's in the national team (around him).
"He'll be able to find the ball in different places. I think he'll be a real threat.
Martin Boyle - The Scotsman turned Socceroos star has turned into one of the first names on the team sheet since switching allegiances in 2018.
The right-winger has played a key part in the qualification campaign since returning from knee surgery, chiming in with three assists and three goals in the qualification campaign.
The speed machine recently made the move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Faisaly after enjoying a successful seven-year spell at Hibs.
Ajdin Hrustic - While the midfielder hasn't started the last two games of the qualifying campaign, Hrustic has enjoyed a solid season for Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga.
The midfielder has chipped in two goals in 18 matches in all competitions for the German side who find themselves in 9th spot on the Bundesliga ladder.
Playing 13 of the last 16 games for the Socceroos his defence-splitting passes and set-piece expertise have been a quality factor for the Socceroos' qualifying campaign.
Coaches Analysis
Ahead of arriving in Sydney for the week of preparations, Socceroos head coach Graham Arnold was excited ahead of the Japan clash.
"The players and staff are in great spirits and are motivated by the opportunity that is in front of us this month," Arnold said.
"With a play-off spot for June already locked in, if required, we view this camp as a win-win window - we have the opportunity to qualify directly with great performances in Sydney and Jeddah, but regardless the time together will be beneficial as our players only get limited periods together in national team colours."
Featured Image Credit: SuppliedTopics: Football News, Football, Australia, Japan