Mitoma double sends Japan, Saudi Arabia to Qatar World Cup

Tokyo: Substitute Kaoru Mitoma scored twice in the final few minutes to give Japan a 2-0 win over Australia at a rain-soaked Olympic Stadium on Thursday and send his country through to seventh successive edition of the World Cup finals.

Japan's first victory over the Socceroos in Australia since 1998 also secured Saudi Arabia's passage to Qatar and condemned Australia to a tricky path through two playoffs if they are also to make the finals for the fifth time in a row.

An entertaining qualifier looked to be heading towards a scoreless stalemate in the 89th minute when the ball was cut the ball back from the byline and Mitoma pounced to fire it past Australia goalkeeper Mat Ryan.

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