Japan became the first country to qualify for next summer’s World Cup in Brazil with a 1-1 draw against a plucky Australian side on Tuesday. A last minute penalty converted by CSKA Moscow’s Keisuke Honda gave Japan the point they needed to progress into the finals.
Joining the Samurai Blue in a celebratory mood were Iran and Oman, both of whom prevailed against Qatar and Iraq respectively, to boost their chances of making the finals.
Conversely, Lebanon were the first team eliminated, with their 1-1 draw against Korea Republic at home depriving their hopes of even a third-place playoff. Iraq were rooted to bottom with their chances hanging by a thread.
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FULL RESULTS – 4th June 2013
GROUP A
Qatar 0
Iran 1 (Ghoochannejhad 60)
Lebanon 1 (Maatouk 12)
Korea Republic 1 (Chi-Woo Kim 90)
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GROUP B
Japan 1 (Honda 90P)
Australia 1 (Oar 82)
Oman 1 (Al Ajmi 45)
Iraq 0
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WORLD FOOTBALL WEEKLY 