Japan First To Secure 2014 W/Cup Ticket

Asian champions, Japan has become the first side to qualify for football’s 2014 World Cup when a stoppage-time penalty by Keisuke Honda gave them a 1-1 draw with Australia in Saitama yesterday.

The result guaranteed Japan cannot be caught at the top of Asia Group A where they move to 14 points with one match remaining.

CSKA Moscow midfielder Honda converted from the spot in the first minute of stoppage time after Matt McKay handled in the area.

Australia’s Utrecht midfielder Tommy Oar had shocked home fans in the 82nd minute when his cross sailed in at the far post over keeper Eiji Kawashima.

It is the third straight time Japan had become the first team to qualify for a World Cup, and their appearance in Brazil will be their fifth at World Cup finals.

Australia go second on goal difference, level on seven points with Jordan, in the battle for the second qualifying spot from the group.

Oman, on six points, met Iraq, on five points, later in the day.

It was the fourth draw in six games, with one win and one defeat for Australia, who takes on Jordan in Melbourne next week, followed by Iraq in Sydney a week later, in their final matches.