Japan trounces Jordan 6-0; Aussies held by Oman 0-0 in World Cup qualifiers

How about that man Honda ?? Ha Ha..to the knocker

It was a beautiful and intimidating performance. Australia will be very worried for Tuesday.

The Asian qualifiers are a joke. Good on Japan for winning, but seriously, I suspect they could have beaten Jordan if there were no Japanese players on the field

Great performance Japan - woeful performance Jordan! An under 7s team would have put on a better show. Maybe Honda should also be heading to a big club like Kagawa?! Australia was lucky to get the draw in Oman, but won't play so conservatively at home next week. Will be a cracking game, I'm tipping a 2-2 draw.

They started this article with Kagawa????? Honda had a hat trick and should be the leading player in this!

Great game but a little rough - poor Hasebe with his head bleeding and wrapped. They played well. Jordan was obvously frustrated and it showed in their playing. Looked like many of the players just gave up. Was a better second half at the beginning but feel apart about 15 mins in.

On the plus side, Jordan had some quick players and fancy footwork. They showed streaks of genius.

Japan is really pulling together as a team now and seem to be on a roll. Next week's match should be interesting.

Yeah enough abiut Kagawa, he needs to sell a bunch of swag for the UK before he deserves this kinda coverage LOL!!

Honda is the man. When he's injured, the team struggles. Since he's back ? Two wins and nine goals scored.

Smith, World Cup qualifiers are never a joke. If you are referring to Jordan's low fifa ranking, America played against Antigua and Barbuda, ranked 105th. Thankfully they won that game, 3-1.

nandakandamanda: "Japan is really pulling together as a team now and seem to be on a roll. Next week's match should be interesting."

THAT I agree with. I was surprised to hear Australia only drew with Oman instead of winning, whereas Japan truly is dominating and coming into their own. It'll be interesting to see how they've matured for the next WC. But yes, first we have the match on Tuesday. I just pray Australia puts up a fight and the game isn't over in the first half.

bicultural: " If you are referring to Jordan's low fifa ranking, America played against Antigua and Barbuda, ranked 105th"

I'm referring to the Asian group as a whole. Aside from Japan and South Korea, with Australia possibly a weak third, there really aren't any strong teams. If all the Asian teams were thrown into the Americas or European groups it's unlikely they would progress from the qualifiers (there are far too many good teams in both groups). I wish there were some way to make it more even.

I was surprised to hear Australia only drew with Oman instead of winning

Every team in this group playing Oman in Oman will be happy to grab a point, including Japan and Aussies. Stiflingly hot and humid - played deliberately at the hottest time of day! I was actually surprised our old stagers held on for the draw there. We played an ultra-conservative game with the lone striker - Kewell. Next Tuesday there will be a different team out there for the socceroos - and a big challenge against a pacy, skilful Samurai team. Bring on the game, banter and plenty of beers!

Smith, compared to other places yes, Asia certainly isn't as strong but no one can deny that both Japan and Korea have come in leaps and bounds since they shared the World Cup years ago. I am very impressed with how quickly they've caught up in terms of quality and the popularity of soccer here. I figure Japan has a better chance of winning a cup before England does again! ;) The Asian teams also aren't pretty boys who have serious self entitlement issues which I think is ruining the sport in many countries. Give me Hasebe, Kawashima, Kagawa and Honda any day over some of the idiots out there these days!

well done Japan, but Jordan were poor in possession. Every EPL team would have beaten them last night, even Wolves.

Maybe it's just me but to my uneducated eyes it appears that the Japanese soccer team has markedly improved and is very well prepared for the competition. Their passing, defense, and offense has been turned up a few notches.

Good luck against Australia!

@ Yubaru - I agree with you. I think it coincides with getting rid of that Okada flog and replacing him with a coach who knows something about soccer! Kirin Blue Samurai© will be a massive task for my Aussie boys on Tuesday...