Japan v Caltex Socceroos: five fast facts

All roads lead to the magnificent Saitama Stadium next Thursday night in northern Tokyo when the Caltex Socceroos meet Japan in an absolutely critical World Cup qualifier.

Here are five facts you need to know ahead of this crucial World Cup qualifier.

Analysis: Japan coach picks squad 'full of firepower'

Japan squad named for Caltex Socceroos WCQ

GOAL-LESS GAME UNLIKELY

Both teams have scored in each of the last five meetings between these two sides.

Japan have won two of those games with the other three drawn.

Japan thumped Thailand 4-0 in World Cup Qualifying on Tuesday night.

FAST STARTERS

Japan have opened the scoring in every one of their eight games during the third round of World Cup qualifiers, which no other team has managed.

However, Australia is equal next best with six, along with Iran.

FINDING FEET

The Caltex Socceroos have passed at an accuracy of 81% across round three of the Asian World Cup qualifiers.

Mooy

This the second best figure in this round of qualifiers, with Korea Republic the most accurate.

HITTING THE TARGET

Tommy Rogic has fired off more shots than any of his Australian team-mates in the third round of World Cup qualifiers, with the Celtic playmaker letting fly 18 times.

Rogic celebrates bringing the Caltex Socceroos back on level terms.

However, Japan's "Emperor" Keisuke Honda has hit 25 shots at goal, the most of any player across either Asian group.

CAHILL THE KEY

Tim Cahill is the only player in the Caltex Socceroos 23-man squad to have tasted victory against Japan.

Tim Cahill v Japan

The Australian centurion has also scored five goals against Japan, two more than he's managed against any other nation.

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