SOCCER

Japan to reopen rivalry with Australia in World Cup qualifiers

Saturday 28th June, 04:57 PM JST

KUALA LUMPUR —

Japan will renew its growing rivalry with Australia after being drawn against the Socceroos in the final round of Asian qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup on Friday. Bahrain, Uzbekistan and Qatar will also be joining them in Group A while 2002 World Cup semifinalists South Korea were pitted against North Korea, Iran, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates in Group B following the draw in Kuala Lumpur.

The final round, being held from September through June 2009, will see teams playing each of their group rivals on a home-and-away basis, with the top two from each pool advancing directly to the finals. The third-placed teams in each group will meet in a two-legged playoff, with the winner to play the Oceania zone champions for a ticket to South Africa.

Latest 15 of 28 Total Comments Show All

PrinceskaNo1 at 02:43 PM JST - 28th June

SimondB, I would be happy if Spain spanks Germany because my favourite team is Turkey. Turkey almost beat Germany and showed great football. Turkey is the best!
Storenose at 02:51 PM JST - 28th June

Quite a bit of Australia-hate going on here, I don't really understand the rivalry, just seems like unnecessary bitterness from Australia's world cup win. I like both teams, it's be nice for both to make it through, of course I'll be cheering Australia on. That said, Japanese fans and media seem to be far more annoying than those of any other country.
timorborder at 03:13 PM JST - 28th June

Longtime Aussie inmate in Japan who has taken some stick over the years from the locals regarding Australia's weakness in soccer. Then again, most Japanese people have little understanding of Australia's proud soccer heritage that both goes back to people like Craig Johnson, and also involves a number of players who have ended up playing for high profile soccer nations - Christian "Bobo" Vieri (grew up in Sydney) and any number of Croatians, etc. There has also always been a strong soccer-playing population among both Anglo-Saxon Australians, and Australians from European backgrounds. As such, after months of propaganda on Japanese TV before the 2006 World Cup about how Japan would "wipe the pitch" with Australia, I was most pleased that Australia hammered Japan over a 10 minute period and contributed to their early exit from the cup. Hope to see the same thing happen this time around.
Nessie at 03:38 PM JST - 28th June

A team not to be taken lightly. But not too seriously, either.
Nessie at 03:49 PM JST - 28th June

Why so little Eurofootie on JT? Strange, considering the posters are either rabid Europhobes or incurable Europhiles. This article is about games that won't even be played THIS YEAR!
Nessie at 05:10 PM JST - 28th June

Lots of armchair experts in here, I see.

Sooth, so unless I play pro soccer I'm not entitled to an opinion? Kinda defeats the purpose of sports.
TeruSensei at 10:18 AM JST - 29th June

That was the fantastic result for Australia and Japan.

We're building up a really strong rivalry within the AFC, which is great for the players and fans of both nations.

I'll be at the Australia vs Japan match next June in Australia guaranteed. Can't believe I have to wait a full year!
PrinceskaNo1 at 06:24 PM JST - 29th June

Japanese players have better football technique and skills, Asutralians are just bigger in body but have no skills. It is easier for the Japanese to add more weight and height to their body than for the Australians to learn some skills.
eresay at 07:22 PM JST - 29th June

It is easier for the Japanese to add more weight and height to their body

OK, Im familiar with the concept of putting on weight but how does one add height to ones body? This will be interesting.

Reading media reports, the Aussies arent at all concerned about Japan but are hailing Uzbekistan as their main danger in their group.
PrinceskaNo1 at 09:02 AM JST - 30th June

Aussies should be concerned not only about Uzbekistan but about all their opponents. I doubt Aussies will be able to qualify. Demo gambatte Australia!
Storenose at 10:49 AM JST - 30th June

From what I've seen, the Australian media and fans are more likely to discuss the strengths of the opposing teams whilst on various forums and such I only see Japanese fans speak about how much better their team is than anyone they oppose, and making weak excuses when they lose like "they played too rough". Anyway, yeah, right now the Australian sports media is interested in Uzbekistan. I'd like to see if they live up to the hype.
westurn at 11:25 AM JST - 30th June

Eresay, you are right...

"the Aussies arent at all concerned about Japan but are hailing Uzbekistan as their main danger in their group."

Japan will play for a tie against Australia. I expect "everyone" in a Nippon uni to be on the defensive throughout the game. Having posted the obvious, the real challenge then comes from Uzbekistan, for the Aussies, a "must" win. Japan could very easily flounder against team Uz. I'd like to see the actual game schedule before going much further, but it's safe to say, If Japan and Australia open against each other... expect an extremely boring performance from Japan.
PrinceskaNo1 at 12:05 PM JST - 30th June

I watched the game Spain-Germany at the Euro finals. What to say, both japan and australia are light years behind Spain...
TeruSensei at 04:58 PM JST - 1st July

Japan and Australia don't play in Japan until the 5th round of matches, in February 2009, and don't play in Australia until the final round of matches, in June 2009.

So by the time Japan and Australia meet the second time, fingers crossed that both of them will already have qualified, leaving no team desperate to keep a clean sheet or scramble for a single point.
PrinceskaNo1 at 10:41 AM JST - 2nd July

I hope all the other qualify and Japan and Australia not to.