Japan
How determined Matildas plan to seize ‘once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’
The last time they played Japan they were humbled in a performance described as “un-Australian” but they are confident things have changed.
- Emma Kemp
Latest
Flies, bees, flowers and honey: Meet the man behind Japan’s fearsome Nadeshiko
Nils Nielsen, the zany Greenlandic-Dane in charge of Japan’s women’s national team, is sometimes blown away by what he sees from his players in training and during games.
- Vince Rugari
The Australian out to ruin the Matildas’ Cup redemption
Ex-Matilda Leah Blayney is assistant coach of Japan, the nation tipped to strip Australia of a home tournament win at the Asian Cup next month.
- Frances Howe
Socceroos v Japan as it happened: Australia are almost off to the World Cup after heroic victory
A win for the Socceroos tonight will all but seal their spot at the 2026 World Cup, but they face a formidable opponent in Japan. Follow all the action.
- Jonathan Drennan and Vince Rugari
It’s true – Ange Postecoglou always wins trophies in his second season. This is his record
The Tottenham coach heaped pressure on himself by bullishly pointing out his record of winning silverware in his second season in a job. Can he keep the streak alive in next week’s Europa League final?
- Vince Rugari
- Analysis
- FIFA World Cup
One last push, and the Socceroos can book their spot at the 2026 World Cup
The equation is simple for Australia after their 2-0 victory in China: win their next match and they’ll seal qualification for next year’s tournament.
- Vince Rugari
Miserable Cup opener for Matildas as they suffer 4-0 defeat by Japan
Australia suffered their heaviest loss to Japan in the SheBelieves Cup in Houston on Friday morning (Australia time).
- Frances Howe
- Analysis
- FIFA World Cup
Why ugly is beautiful for the Socceroos
Five things we learnt from Tony Popovic’s first two fixtures in charge of Australia, as the national team stays in the hunt for direct World Cup qualification.
- Emma Kemp
- Japan 1 Australia 1
- Australian soccer
Socceroos park the bus – eventually – to snatch a priceless point against Japan
The draw against the Samurai Blue completes an encouraging first window in charge for Tony Popovic, who has steered Australia’s World Cup qualification campaign back on track.
- Vince Rugari
As it happened: Own goals only as Socceroos hold Japan to draw in World Cup qualifier
Tony Popovic’s Australia are out to defy history and build momentum against the Samurai Blue.
- Emma Kemp