This match is a display of classic battle of the famous quarter final at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Japan was at the losing side in the World Cup meeting. Having gained an one goal advantage over Australia until the 86^th minute, Japan was conceded three goals and forced to pack home in the last 4 minutes. The goals were scored by Tim Cahill and John Aloisi, both are the members of Australia Asian Cup squad.

Japan journey at 2007 Asian Cup was smooth and uneventful save for its slow start against Qatar. Japan held Qatar to a draw 1 – 1 before going into a rampage mode and demolishing UAE and Vietnam. Australia’s start was dreary with its draw against Oman. Australia finished the second game by losing and being outplayed spectacularly by Iraq 3 – 1. The lost in the second game hinted that Australia’s debut in this Asian Cup was going to be lousy. Australia turned the tide by winning confidently 4 – 1 against the host Thailand. It must be noted that Australia performance was not brilliant and the winning came only because Thailand’s mistake. Australia in fact was forced to its own half for the main part of the game.

Japan will likely to maintain the same formation utilizing Naohiro Takahara and Seichiro Maki in the front side. Kengo and Shunsuke Nakamura will be the attacking midfielders supported by Yasuhiko Endo as the defensive midfielder. In the defense line, the fizzy haired veteran defender, Yuki Nakazawa along with keeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi will become the main defense leaders. Coach Ivica Osim has been reported to emphasize a great deal on penalty shoot out.

Australia on the other hand did not do significant preparation save for a couple of light exercises. Mark Schwarzer, the Australia keeper, said that he’s not keen to look on another penalty shootout. "I'm not one who likes practicing penalties. I would like it to finish 1-0 in normal time to us of course, so I don't have to worry about shootouts," he said. Australia formation won’t change very much save for Harry Kewell who would make it into the first team after being benched in the last match. Mark Viduka, John Aloisi, Mark Bresciano, Vince Grella, Harry Kewell and Tim Cahill are the European players who will be the backbone of Australia offense. Captain Lucas Neill would also play after being suspended in the previous match. Can Japan revenge it’s lost in the World Cup 2006?. Japan v Australia kicks off on July 21^st.