SOCCEROOS HAVE NO FEAR

They head to Japan with confidence despite never having beaten the Samurai Blue there

New Socceroos coach Tony Popovic says there is nothing to fear from a testing World Cup qualifying clash in Japan next week, but admitted that it was a big challenge.

Australia head to Saitama for the match on Oct 15 full of confidence after coming from behind to beat China 3-1 in Adelaide on Oct 10.

It ensured a winning start for Popovic in his first game and three crucial points after a 1-0 home loss to Bahrain and a goal-less draw in Indonesia.

The victory elevated Australia to second on goal difference in Asian qualifying Group C behind table-toppers Japan, who beat Saudi Arabia 2-0 in Jeddah to remain unbeaten after three games.

Only the top two in the six-team group secure direct passage to the 2026 World Cup, with the third- and fourth-placed nations facing another qualifying phase.

“Obviously it's a big challenge but also a big opportunity as well, to win in Japan,” said Popovic, who took over from Graham Arnold late in September.