Japan vs. Australia is high profile on any stage, but Tuesday's World Cup qualifier will be as important as the matchup gets for the visitors — as if they were playing for a title, according to Keisuke Honda.

With Japan sitting fourth in the group, out of a qualification spot for Russia 2018, Honda on Saturday stressed the weight of the Australia game for Vahid Halilhodzic's side despite Thursday's heart-stopping home win over Iraq that may have saved the manager's job — and Japan's chances of reaching its sixth successive World Cup.

Australia, on the other hand, has been solid throughout the campaign so far and is at the top of the table after a 2-2 draw away to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.