Japan Beat Australia, Qualify For 2018 World Cup

Japan booked their place in the 2018 World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Australia on Thursday.

Takuma Osano scored late in the first half before 21-year-old midfielder, Yosuke Ideguchi, covered himself in glory with a sumptuous finish in the 82nd minute as the Samurai Blue sealed a sixth straight appearance in the global showpiece.

Advertisement

Japan are now assured of finishing top of Group B in Asian qualifying before their final match away to second-placed Saudi Arabia.

Third-placed Australia will need a handsome victory over Thailand in their final qualifier and hope Japan beat or draw with the Saudis, who have a better goal difference than the Socceroos.

Japan join Iran, Brazil and hosts Russia in the 32-team tournament, which will be held from June 14 to July 15 next year.

 

Leave a comment

Advertisement