Japanese striker Shinji Okazaki and Caltex Socceroos midfielder Mark Milligan.
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LIVE COVERAGE: Japan v Caltex Socceroos WCQ

Australia can book their spot at the 2018 FIFA World Cup with a win but face a tricky task against a Japanese outfit desperate to achieve the same result on home soil.

The Caltex Socceroos are put through a warm-up during a training session in Japan.
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Preview: Japan v Caltex Socceroos

Two group heavyweights, massive regional rivals, star players from the EPL on show all with the tantalising prospect of potentially sealing automatic World Cup qualification at one of the great venues of Asia, Saitama Stadium in Tokyo. GALLERY: Who'll start against Japan? PHOT

The Caltex Socceroos are put through a warm-up during a training session in Japan.
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Preview: Japan v Caltex Socceroos

Two group heavyweights, massive regional rivals, star players from the EPL on show all with the tantalising prospect of potentially sealing automatic World Cup qualification at one of the great venues of Asia, Saitama Stadium in Tokyo.

Socceroos XI v Japan.
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How will the Caltex Socceroos line-up against Japan tonight?

We try to predict Ange's starting XI for Saitama...

Ange Postecoglou looks on during a Caltex Socceroos training session in Japan.
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Ange's final message ahead of Saitama showdown

Ange Postecoglou has stressed his side won't change their approach in tonight's blockbuster with Japan, saying the team's DNA is to dominate games irrespective of the scenario or opposition.

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).

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.

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.

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....