Japan qualifies for 2014 World Cup

Discussion in 'Football Discussion' started by truebluefan, Jun 4, 2013.

  1. truebluefan

    truebluefan Administrator Staff Member Administrator

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    Japan became the first team to qualify for the 2014 World Cup on Tuesday after a stoppage-time penalty by Keisuke Honda secured a 1-1 draw with Australia.

    Tommy Oar had given Australia a 1-0 lead in the 82nd minute with a lob over Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawasahima but a handball by Matthew McKay set up the penalty for Honda, who beat Australia goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer with left-footed shot into the top of the net. Japan needed at least a point to clinch a spot in next year's World Cup in Brazil from Group B in Asian qualifying.

    Honda had missed Japan's last two matches -- both defeats. Both teams had great scoring chances in the first half, but Schwarzer got his right hand up to block Shinji Kagawa's shot from close range. Later, Brett Holman fed a through ball to Robbie Kruse who fired a right-footed shot that Kawashima knocked down with an outstretched arm.

    Read more http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1468026/japan-becomes-1st-team-reach-2014-world-cup?cc=5901
     
  2. DUB

    DUB Da, da da, da dah!

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    It was a cross, keeper should have saved it.

    Stupid handball by McKay, I have no idea what he was thinking.

    Both keepers were great except for the Kawashima error for the goal.
     

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