Sydney [Australia], March 24 (ANI): Japan secured their place in a seventh successive FIFA World Cup rising from an important AFC Asian Qualifiers – conflict towards Australia with a 2-0 win on Thursday in Sydney.
A pair of late targets from substitute Kaoru Mitoma lastly rewarded Japan on an evening the place they peppered the Australian objective, leaving the Socceroos in a precarious place in their very own bid to achieve Qatar 2022.
The end result means Graham Arnold’s aspect will enter the playoffs in June, with wins required over the third-placed aspect in Group A, in addition to the fifth-placed South American aspect, if they’re to qualify.
Driving rain greeted the gamers for the newest installment of one in all Asian soccer’s nice trendy rivalries, and it took Japan lower than a minute to check Australian goalkeeper Mat Ryan, who held a harmful 15-yard effort from Takumi Minamino.
Several efforts went and handed however neither staff managed to get a breakthrough.
With the sport reaching a goalless draw, it was Australia who most wanted to attain, however Japan all the time appeared extra more likely to, and their reward lastly arrived within the 89th minute, with Miki Yamane supplying his former Kawasaki Frontale teammate Mitoma, who calmly beat Ryan from shut vary.
Mitoma’s very good cameo continued when he added a second in stoppage time, slipping an effort below the palms of Ryan as Japan celebrated their sixth win in a row, and one other journey to the highest tier of world soccer. (ANI)