Punters are backing a draw in tonight’s crucial World Cup qualifier between the Socceroos and Japan, with that option being supported from $4.75 into $3.35 at Sportingbet Australia.

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Japan’s odds of winning have eased from $1.75 out to $1.88 with Sportingbet, while Australia’s odds have trimmed up from $4.75 into $4.25.

“We’ve taken double the amount of bets on the draw than what we have for either side to win so punters are clearly predicting a tight match,” Sportingbet Australia spokesman Andrew Brown said.

Japan is $1.21 at Sportingbet with the +0.5 goal handicap and Australia $1.88 with the same handicap.

Japan’s Shinji Okazaki is a $6 favourite to score the first goal, while Australia’s Josh Kennedy is a $7 chance with Sportingbet.

Japan V Australia
Sportingbet Australia market
Japan $1.88
Draw $3.35
Australia $4.25