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Goalkeeper Mitch Langerak has been replaced by Adam Federici in the Caltex Socceroos squad for the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers against Japan and Thailand.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

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

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.

Japanese fans show their support during a friendly at Saitama Stadium.
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Get to know Saitama Stadium in Tokyo

The stadium hosting the Caltex Socceroos’ vital World Cup qualifier in Japan is one of the great venues for football in Asia.

Mat Leckie played 90 minutes in Hertha Berlin's loss to Borussia Dortmund.
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Caltex Socceroos weekend wrap ahead of Japan

The Caltex Socceroos are jetting in to Japan for Thursday night's crucial World Cup qualifier in Saitama with many of our players in action over the weekend across the world.

Tomi Juric found the net for FC Luzern overnight.
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Juric hits the net in Switzerland

Tomi Juric will bring goal-scoring form into the Caltex Socceroos after his side's draw in the Swiss Super League overnight.

Tom Rogic played 90 minutes in Celtic's 1-1 draw overnight.
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Rogic helps Celtic stay unbeaten in Scotland

Caltex Socceroos star Tom Rogic has continued his impressive start to the season after helping Celtic maintain their unbeaten start to the Scottish Premiership season.

Mat Ryan kept a clean sheet in Brighton's 0-0 draw overnight.
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Aussies abroad: Ryan off the mark in EPL

Caltex Socceroos keeper Mat Ryan helped Brighton to their first points of the Premier League season while Aaron Mooy continued his impressive start with Huddersfield town overnight.

Caltex Socceroos midfielder Aaron Mooy controls the ball ahead of Japan's Makoto Hasebe.
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Japan v Caltex Socceroos: five fast facts

All roads lead to the magnificent Saitama Stadium next Thursday night in northern Tokyo when the Caltex Socceroos meet Japan in an absolutely critical World Cup qualifier.