Japan vs Australia: The Rivalry

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I. Introduction
The rivalry between Japan and Australia is one of the most intense in international football. The two nations have met 27 times, with Australia winning 7, Japan winning 12, and 8 games ending in a draw.
II. The History
The rivalry began in 1956, when Japan and Australia played a friendly match in Melbourne. Australia won the match 2-1.
In 1969, the two nations met again in a qualifying match for the 1970 FIFA World Cup. Japan won the match 3-1, and advanced to the World Cup for the first time.
III. The Rivalry Today
The rivalry between Japan and Australia is as intense as ever. The two nations are now two of the strongest teams in Asia, and they regularly compete for the AFC Asian Cup.
In recent years, the rivalry has been particularly heated. In 2016, Australia defeated Japan 2-1 in the final of the AFC Asian Cup. In 2018, Japan got their revenge, defeating Australia 2-0 in the semi-finals of the AFC Asian Cup.
IV. The Future
The rivalry between Japan and Australia is sure to continue for many years to come. The two nations are now two of the best teams in Asia, and they are both determined to win the AFC Asian Cup.
V.
The rivalry between Japan and Australia is one of the most intense in international football. The two nations have met 27 times, with Australia winning 7, Japan winning 12, and 8 games ending in a draw. The rivalry is sure to continue for many years to come.