Japan have beaten Saudi Arabia 2-0 in World Cup qualifying, moving the Blue Samurai four points clear of the Socceroos ahead of Australia's own tie in Oman.
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.
The victory brought Japan within a point of Saudi Arabia in Asian qualifying group B, and four clear of Australia who have a game in hand.
🧐 Junya Ito with the vision
— #WAC2022 (@afcasiancup) February 1, 2022
🧠 Yuya Osako with the awareness
💥 Takumi Minamino with the goal!#AsianQualifiers | #JPNvKSA pic.twitter.com/lN8F5slK5o
The top two qualify automatically for this year's World Cup finals while the third-placed team enters a play-off series.
The Socceroos play later Tuesday, in Oman, who are a distant fourth.
After that match each team will have two ties left with Australia hosting Japan then visiting Saudi Arabia, both games in March. Japan also play Vietnam and Saudi Arabia play China.
Minamino scored after 31 minutes converting a pass from Ito. Five minutes after the break Ito scored himself from the edge of the area.
More Socceroos news can be found on their website.
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