Goals from Liverpool's Takumi Minamino and Genk's Junya Ito have earned Japan a 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia in Saitama in their top-of-the table World Cup qualifying clash.

JAPAN WORLD CUP QUALIFICATION WIN

  • Japan registered a 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
  • The Samurai Blue are now within one point of Saudi Arabia in Group B.
  • The top two qualify automatically for this year's World Cup finals while the third-placed team enters a play-off series.

More World Cup Qualification news can be found on FTBL.

Minamino scored after 31 minutes converting a pass from Ito. Five minutes after the break Ito scored himself, drilling in a fine shot from the edge of the area.

The victory brought Japan within a point of Saudi Arabia in Asian qualifying group B. The visitors would have confirmed their place in the finals had they won.

Australia's later draw in Oman left the Socceroos in third, three points adrift of Japan.

The top two qualify automatically for this year's World Cup finals while the third-placed team enters a play-off series

Each team has two ties left with Australia hosting Japan then visiting Saudi Arabia, both games in March. Japan also play Vietnam and Saudi Arabia play China.

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More Asian Football Confederation news can be found on their website.