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Pressure is riding on the shoulders of Japan coach Vahid Halilhodzic, who is reportedly facing the axe if the Samurai Blue fail to beat the Socceroos in their World Cup qualifier at Saitama Stadium on Thursday evening.
A win would send Japan through to Russia 2018, but anything else would leave their hopes hinging on a daunting trip to Saudi Arabia.
Australia, meanwhile, needs a total of four points from this clash and next week's meeting with Thailand in Melbourne to book a fourth consecutive World Cup appearance.
Socceroo Milos Degenek, who plays for J-League side Yokohama F Marinos, said there was noticeable angst in Japanese football.
"It's kind of silly to say … I've had a lot of supporters from my club wish that we win," he said.
"A lot of my players who are also Japanese wish that we win.
"They've got different reasons which I won't mention, but they don't all agree with the Japanese system and the coaching staff in Japan.
"They haven't had the best of qualifying.
"From what I've heard the pressure's on them and they're not the best at dealing with pressure, so we'll see what happens."
Photo:
Milos Degenek (pictured) says the pressure is firmly on Japan in Saitama. (AAP: Julian Smith)
Japan are currently top of Group B, one point ahead of Saudi Arabia and Australia, which is third on goal difference.
Thursday's match at the 57,768-capacity Saitama Stadium was sold out two months ago.
But Degenek said the venue will hold no terrors for the Socceroos, who have travelled the length and breadth of Asia and faced more ferocious terraces elsewhere.
"It will be a good atmosphere because the stadium is sold out, but I don't think it will be intimidating — we've had more hostile environments where the boys have played," he said.
"I wasn't there in Saudi Arabia but that would have been a bit more hostile.
"In Japan, I don't think their fans are all that crazy enough to intimidate players that much."
The qualification picture will become a little clearer after Tuesday evening's Group B clash between the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, which was brought forward due to a religious holiday.
AAP