Come on…the Socceroos…

The Socceroos have received a boost ahead the Asian Cup final with Japan striker Shinji Kagawa ruled out of the match due to a foot injury.

Kugawa hurt his right foot in Japan’s semi-final win over South Korea and the Japan Football Association announced on Wednesday he had “fractured his right fifth metatarsus” and was out indefinitely.

The 21-year-old is a relatively new face in coach Alberto Zaccheroni’s squad but has started every match at the Asian Cup, scoring twice in Japan’s 3-2 quarter-final victory over hosts Qatar.

Kagawa plays for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga and has proved somewhat of a revelation, netting eight goals in his debut season.

Japan at least have defender Maya Yoshida back available for selection after a red card in the win over Qatar saw him suspended for Tuesday’s semi-final win over South Korea.

Buford Balony says: First we beat them in the war,  now the Asian cup. Go Aussies.

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