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.
This story is from the October 12, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
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This story is from the October 12, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
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