Japan are unbeaten in nine previous meetings against Australia, a run that stretches back to January 2011, winning six matches including the last three.

There will added motivation for Moriyasu to get one over his former teammate, with him and Australia head coach Tony Popovic having spent four seasons at Sanfrecce Hiroshima between 1997 and 2001.

Popovic came through his first test as the new Australia head coach with some positives after a 2-1 win against China PR but the 51-year-old knows Japan will be an entirely different challenge.

“It's a big challenge but also a big opportunity to win in Japan,” said Popovic. “If we can improve on this performance (against China PR), then we can win the game. 

“That's really key when you go to Japan to play the best team at the moment. 

"Some of the players, I don't think have the level quite yet to play the level we require twice in four days.”

A win for Japan could potentially see them open up an eight-point gap whereas a win for Australia would bring the gap down to just two, with the top two teams in each group guaranteed a spot in Canada, Mexico and United States 2026.

Venue: Saitama Stadium 2002 (Saitama)

Kick-off: 19:35 (UTC+9)