Japan defeated Australia in a dramatic fashion to book their place in this year’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Their victory also confirmed Saudi Arabia’s qualification for the tournament.
Two late goals from substitute Kaoru Mitoma in Sydney sealed Japan’s place in Qatar with a game to spare.
Japan dominated Australia from the off but failed to score a goal that guaranteed their place in the final 32.
They had to wait until the winger breached the opposition goal in the 89th minute of the game before sealing the result with another goal in the 4th minute of added time.
It was just a reward with Japan the busier of the two sides for trying to create clear openings.
The 20 shots on goal to 9 clearly highlight the disparity in intent shown by the two sides. But with each passing minute, it seemed Australia may sneak away with a draw.
Their hopes were dashed by the Union SG’s (on loan from Brighton) Mitoma who sent his team into raptures with his late brace.
The victory lifted Japan to the top of Group B of Asian qualifying, above Saudi Arabia who is four points clear of Australia.
Australia now faces a play-off campaign to reach a fifth successive World Cup.
