World Cup 2018 Qualifiers : Japan defeats Australia 2-0
SAITAMA, Aug. 31, 2017 (AMP) — Russia 2018 (Asian Qualifiers) : Japan defeated Australia by a score of 2-0 (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 Asano in the 41st minute. Leading 1-0 at the break, the Japaneses further widened their lead in the second period with a goal by Ideguchi with just 8 minutes remaining in regulation time.
The result put the Japanese top of Group B with 20 points. Australia is third with 16 points. In their last game, Japan will meet second-placed Saudi Arabia at the Saitama Stadium 2002 on September 5, while Australia will face Thailand.
Fixtures and Results : Third Round Group B
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Overview
Japan at the World Cup
- 5 appearances (first in 1998)
- 15 participations in the qualifications (first in 1954)
Australia at the World Cup
- 4 appearances (first in 1974)
- 14 participations in the qualifications (first in 1966)
- 31 August 2017
- 19:35
- Saitama
Third Round Group B
| Team | Pts |
|---|---|
| Japan | 20 |
 Saudi Arabia | 16 |
| Australia | 16 |
 United Arab Emirates | 13 |
 Iraq | 8 |
 Thailand | 2 |
World Cup History
Read on to know more on the history and origin of the FIFA World Cup.