Japan qualified for the World Cup by beating Asian champion Australia 2-0 on Thursday.
The Japanese, who reach their sixth straight World Cup, got goals from Takuma Asano and Yosuke Ideguchi to improve to 20 points in Group B. Australia can still qualify if they clinch second place.
Yuto Nagatomo set up the first goal in 41st minute, sending a cross into the box that an unmarked Asano calmly side-footed past Australia goalkeeper Mathew Ryan.
‘Yuto made a great play to get me the ball,’ Asano said.
‘I was thrilled to contribute to the team in such a big game and want to thank the coach for showing confidence in me.’
Looking to create more chances, Australia coach Ange Postecoglou sent in Tomi Juric and Tim Cahill in the second half.
Instead, Ideguchi scored another for Japan in the 83rd when he sent an angled shot past the outstretched arms of Ryan for his first goal with the national team.
With 20 points, Japan are four points ahead of Australia and Saudi Arabia.
They travel to Saudi Arabia for their final group game on September 5 while Australia face last-place Thailand on the same day.
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