Japanese star Shinji Kagawa and Caltex Socceroos star Tomi Juric.
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Japan v Caltex Socceroos: stats preview

The Caltex Socceroos and Japan go head-to-head in Saitama tonight, both knowing a win will secure them automatic World Cup qualification. But who are the pass masters? And how do the compare on defensive stats?

Mitch Langerak has joined Spanish outfit Levante.
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Transfer news: Aussie keeper signs for La Liga club

Mitch Langerak could be playing against Real Madrid and Barcelona this season after news he's signed with La Liga outfit Levante.

Jackson Irvine has left Burton Albion and linked with fellow Championship club Hull City.
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Caltex Socceroo joins ex-EPL outfit Hull City

Caltex Socceroos midfielder Jackson Irvine has moved from Burton Albion to Hull City in the English Championship on a club-record deal, the clubs confirmed on Wednesday night (AEST).

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

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

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