Australia v Japan, World Cup live updates: Socceroos face Samurai Blue in must-win qualifier in Sydney

It's been one of the most disastrous build-ups to a Socceroos fixture in recent memory.

A heady mix of injuries, illnesses, and other unavailabilities has forced head coach Graham Arnold — who was himself under a cloud after contracting COVID-19 last week — to cobble together a squad of players capable of defeating the well-oiled machine that is Japan in order to keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive.

A loss to the Samurai Blue at Stadium Australia tonight will see the Socceroos forced down the intercontinental knock-out path, culminating in a play-off match against a South American side.

A win will see them enter the final match against Saudi Arabia on March 29 still needing a win, but with a shred of hope that it can be done.

Follow all the action in our live blog below.

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By Samantha L

Considering the slim pickings Arnold had at his disposal, his starting XI seems to be a decent mix of youth and experience.

Goalkeeper Mat Ryan, who has the equal-highest caps of the whole squad, wears the captain's armband, while Trent Sainsbury (second-highest caps) anchors central defence. Awer Mabil returns to the fold after missing the past window, likely on the wing opposite Martin Boyle, who's been one of Australia's better attacking weapons over the course of these qualifiers.

The concern, perhaps, is in midfield: Ajdin Hrustic seems to be the creative replacement for Tom Rogic, but he's partnered with the equally-inexperienced Connor Metcalfe and Gianni Stensness. These are three players with big wraps at club and youth level, but are largely untested on this stage.

By Samantha L

After what feels like a never-ending qualification campaign that started all