The Tim Cahill factor threatens Japan's hopes of re-energising their World Cup campaign in a crucial qualifier against Australia in Melbourne on Tuesday.
Talismanic Cahill is in line for a recall for the Socceroos against the Blue Samurai in the Asia qualifying Group B encounter after playing only a few minutes as substitute in Australia's 2-2 draw with Saudi Arabia in Jeddah last week.
It is also an important night elsewhere in Asia with China desperately needing a win against Uzbekistan in Group A in Tashkent to keep their faint hopes alive and the so far point-less 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar at home to Syria.
The Saudis again have home advantage against Gulf rivals United Arab Emirates, while Tehran hosts an inter-group double-header with Iraq and Thailand seeking their first points in an afternoon game in the Iranian capital.
Iran and South Korea are protecting their unbeaten starts to the Asian campaign in the evening kick-off.
Japan's Hotaru Yamaguchi (3rd L) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during their 2018 World Cup qualifying match againt Iraq, in Saitama, on October 6, 2016 (AFP/File)
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