World Cup 2018 Qualifiers : Japan defeats Saudi Arabia 2-1
SAITAMA, Nov. 15, 2016 (AMP) — Russia 2018 (Asian Qualifiers) : Japan defeated Saudi Arabia by a score of 2-1 (halftime: 1-0), in a qualifying game for the 2018 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday night at the Saitama Stadium 2002 in Saitama.
Japan dominated the first half thanks to a goal scored by midfielder Hiroshi Kiyotake in the 45th minute. Leading 1-0 at the break, the Japaneses further widened their lead in the second period with a goal by Haraguchi with just 10 minutes remaining in regulation time.
The result put the Saudi top of Group B with 10 points. Japan is second with 10 points. In their next game, Saudi Arabia will meet Thailand at the Saitama Stadium 2002 on March 23, while Japan will face the United Arab Emirates.
Fixtures and Results : Third Round Group B
50644
Overview
Japan at the World Cup
- 5 appearances (first in 1998)
- 15 participations in the qualifications (first in 1954)
Saudi Arabia at the World Cup
- 4 appearances (first in 1994)
- 11 participations in the qualifications (first in 1978)
- 15 November 2016
- 19:35
- Saitama
Third Round Group B
| Team | Pts |
|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | 10 |
| Japan | 10 |
 Australia | 9 |
 United Arab Emirates | 9 |
 Iraq | 3 |
 Thailand | 1 |
World Cup History
Read on to know more on the history and origin of the FIFA World Cup.