Image Credit: AFC
Japan has qualified for their sixth successive World Cup following a 2-0 victory against Australia at home.
Goals from Takuma Asano and Yosuke Ideguchi helped the Blue Samurai to a much-needed win over the Socceroos on Thursday.
Asano steered home a left-foot volley four minutes before the intervals, and Ideguchi sealed the victory for the Blue Samurai with a stunning strike in the second half.
With 20 points from nine matches, Japan has secured an automatic qualification berth, leaving Australia and Saudi Arabia to fight for the remaining slot.
The Australians will face Thailand at home on Tuesday, while Saudi Arabia will host Japan in Jeddah on the same day.