World Cup 2018 Qualifiers : Japan defeats Iraq 2-1
SAITAMA, Oct. 6, 2016 (AMP) — Russia 2018 (Asian Qualifiers) : Japan defeated Iraq by a score of 2-1 (halftime: 1-0), in a qualifying game for the 2018 FIFA World Cup on Thursday night at the Saitama Stadium 2002 in Saitama.
Japan dominated the first half thanks to a goal scored by forward Genki Haraguchi in the 26th minute. Leading 1-0 at the break, the Japaneses further widened their lead in the second period with a goal by Yamaguchi in stoppage time.
The result put the Japanese second in Group B with 6 points. Iraq is bottom with no points. In their next game, Japan will meet group leaders Australia at the Saitama Stadium 2002 on October 11, while Iraq will face Thailand.
Fixtures and Results : Third Round Group B
50638
Overview
Japan at the World Cup
- 5 appearances (first in 1998)
- 15 participations in the qualifications (first in 1954)
Iraq at the World Cup
- 1 appearances (1986)
- 11 participations in the qualifications (first in 1974)
- 6 October 2016
- 19:35
- Saitama
Third Round Group B
| Team | Pts |
|---|---|
 Australia | 6 |
| Japan | 6 |
 Saudi Arabia | 6 |
 United Arab Emirates | 3 |
 Thailand | 0 |
| Iraq | 0 |
World Cup History
Read on to know more on the history and origin of the FIFA World Cup.