Japan Clinches World Cup Berth!

Team Japan beat Uzbekistan last week 1-0 to clinch a spot in next year's world cup taking place in South Africa. Shinji Okazaki scored in the 9th minute in a very poorly ref'd game to give Japan the victory with 2 games to go in qualifying. Japan then took on Qatar today in a meaningless game for the Japanese and drew 1-1, effectively ending Qatar's chances at the World Cup. Up next for Japan is a clash with bitter rivals Australia next Wednesday.

Japan World Cup Soccer team beat Belgium

Japan tuned up for its final world cup qualifying matches with a 4-0 win over Belgium in Kirin Cup action. Japan also beat Chile by the same score earlier in the Week and will face Uzbekistan in their next match. Japan currently sits 2nd in their group with 3 games to play and are 4 points up on 3rd place Bahrain. Japan looks like a lock to qualify out of Asia for the 4th consecutive time.