Seoul, March 24 (BNA): Japan qualified for the World Cup for the seventh time in a row after beating Australia 2-0 in Sydney and ending the chances of the Sokeros team to qualify automatically on Thursday. The result also qualified Saudi Arabia from Asia Group B.
Japan topped the group with 21 points, two points ahead of Saudi Arabia, before facing China later on Thursday, according to the Associated Press.
Australia remained in the qualifying competition in third place. She faced a playoff against the third-placed team from Group A, currently the United Arab Emirates, and a potential final match against a South American opponent.
The two late goals from substitute Kaoru Mitoma were an entertaining match during which Japan was wasting. Takumi Minamino came close to it on five occasions.
But Australia thought they had taken the lead in the 26th minute when Gianni Stensis hit a corner kick only to be ruled by referee Trent Sainsbury’s goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda.
Almost immediately, Minamino, who scored four attempts on goal in the first half alone, almost gave Japan the lead, firing within sight into a crowded area.
Three minutes later, he shot a header into one of the Australian nets and the ball rebounded into the arms of goalkeeper Matthew Ryan, much to the relief of the home team’s fans.
Near the end of the first half, Minamino hit the woodwork again, hitting the crossbar after a dangerous run and pass from Yuto Nagatomo.
Australia started strong after the restart, but with 10 minutes left in the match, Sainsbury’s Minamino shot from close range went off the line.
With a minute left, Japan is finally out of the predicament. He replaced Mitomo Minamino five minutes ago and came home after a dip from Miki Yamani.
In injury time, Mitomo’s low shot rebounded under Ryan and sealed the decisive victory.
And Japan will host, on Tuesday, Vietnam, in the bottom of the group with only one victory, while Australia will travel to Jeddah to face Saudi Arabia.
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