Saudi Arabia vs. Japan preview

CAIRO – 5 September 2017: Saudi Arabia will go into Tuesday’s crucial Group B fixture at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah against Japan knowing exactly what they have to do to advance to the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Japan confirmed their passage to Russia with a 2-0 victory over Australia on Thursday, but Saudi Arabia’s 2-1 loss to the United Arab Emirates means they go into the final round of fixtures level on points with the Socceroos, but above them in goal difference.
Australia are two goals worse off than the Saudis and faced Thailand earlier on Tuesday, so a win in Melbourne would move them three points ahead of the Gulf state and leave Bert van Marwijk’s men knowing the margin of victory needed to confirm a top-two spot.

The Green Falcons’ defeat in Al Ain was their second in a row but they remain unbeaten in front of home support and will be confident a fourth win from five in Saudi Arabia will seal a first FIFA World Cup appearance since 2006.

When Saudi Arabia visited Saitama in November, Japan emerged the winners 2-1 against the Saudis, ending the game with 10 men. This time around, the Samurai Blue will have to do without Captain Makoto Hasebe and Shinji Kagawa as they look to maintain their unbeaten away record.