Robbie Kruse takes on a Japanese defender when the Caltex Socceroos played Japan in Saitama in 2013.
1504066115

Saitama 2017: shades of four years ago

Four years ago, Australia went to Saitama for a vital World Cup qualifier. Hopes weren't particularly high, but after a brilliant, disciplined display they earned a point after a late goal gave Japan a 1-1 draw.

Green and Gold fans are descending on Tokyo for Thursday night’s World Cup qualification showdown between Australia Japan.
1504066115

Caltex Socceroo fans descend on Tokyo

Green and Gold fans are descending on Tokyo for Thursday night’s World Cup qualification showdown between Australia and the Blue Samurai.

Tim Cahill is the only Caltex Socceroo in this squad to have beaten Japan, while Keisuke Honda has had the most shots during qualifying.
1504066115

VIDEO: Caltex Socceroos v Japan: five things to know

We’ve pulled out the five crucial facts ahead of Thursday night’s crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier between the Caltex Socceroos and Japan.

EPL stars Aaron Mooy, Shinji Okazaki and Maya Yoshida will have big parts to play when the Caltex Socceroos play Japan.
1504066115

EPL stats breakdown: Mooy, Okazaki and Yoshida

Thursday night's massive World Cup qualifier in Saitama between Japan and the Caltex Socceroos is set to feature three outfield English Premier League players.

Australia can book their spot at the 2018 FIFA World Cup with a win over Japan.
1504061923

Saitama success will seal World Cup spot for Caltex Socceroos

The Caltex Socceroos can seal qualification for next year’s FIFA World Cup in Russia with a win over Japan on Thursday night.

Tomi Juric of the Socceroos and Masato Morishige of Japan compete for the ball.
1504060374

Journo analysis: Japan v Caltex Socceroos

What's the mood in Japan a day before the huge World Cup qualifier against the Caltex Socceroos?

Australia can qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup with a win against Japan.
1504059729

Why a win in Japan will seal World Cup qualification

Think I might send a congratulations note to my friends in Abu Dhabi. We woke to the news that not only did the UAE slay Saudi Arabia overnight, but that win has opened the door for Australia to qualify automatically for the World Cup on Thursday night....

Saudi Arabia fell to a shock 2-1 loss to UAE overnight.
1504042712

Saudi Arabia's shock loss in UAE

In a blow to their chances of automatic qualification, Saudi Arabia have gone down 2-1 to the United Arab Emirates in their penultimate World Cup qualification Group B match in Al Ain City overnight.

Japanese players celebrate a goal in their 1-1 draw with the Caltex Socceroos in October, 2016.
1503984831

Japan vow 'Samurai Warrior' spirit against Australia

Japan is calling for a united front and the "Samurai Warrior" spirit against Australia in their vital FIFA 2018 World Cup qualifier on Thursday at what's set to be a rocking Saitama Stadium.

Adam Federici has been called into the Caltex Socceroos squad.
1503982432

Langerak replaced by Federici in Caltex Socceroos squad

Goalkeeper Mitch Langerak has been replaced by Adam Federici in the Caltex Socceroos squad for the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers against Japan and Thailand.

Keisuke Honda (right) has urged Japan to take a 'bold' approach against the Caltex Socceroos.
1503970725

Japan star's 'bold' message ahead of Aussie showdown

He may not be fit enough to start in Thursday's World Cup qualifier with the Caltex Socceroos, but Japan star Keisuke Honda has implored Japan to take a cavalier approach.

Jackson Irvine tells FFA TV that the Caltex Socceroos are adept at dealing with the pressure of big World Cup qualifiers.
1503894208

FFA TV | Caltex Socceroos prepared for Japan pressure

Midfielder Jackson Irvine says the pressure of the FIFA Confederations Cup campaign has steeled the Caltex Socceroos for Thursday's vital World Cup Qualifier against Japan.

Caltex Socceroos midfielder James Troisi told FFA TV that Australia knows 'how to step up' in big matches.
1503894208

FFA TV | Troisi: we know what's at stake

Caltex Socceroos playmaker James Troisi is confident Australia will step up in the crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier against Japan.

Caltex Socceroos defender Trent Sainsbury is confident of a win against Japan on Thursday night.
1503894208

FFA TV | Caltex Socceroos confident of Japan win

Defender Trent Sainsbury believes the Caltex Socceroos are mentally and physically above Japan and is confident of a crucial World Cup qualifying win in Saitama on Thursday might.

Yuto Nagatomo limped off the pitch at the Olympic Stadium as Inter Milan won 3-1 at Roma.
1503894208

Injury concern for Japan's Serie A star Nagatomo

There was good news and bad news for Japan coach Vahid Halilhodzic as he prepares for two absolutely crucial 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Australia on August 31 and then in Saudi Arabia five days later.