Japan first into World Cup

Japan midfielder Keisuke Honda (C) shoots the penalty kick to score, what took them to the 2014 World Cup, during their Group B Asian zone qualifying match against Australia in Saitama on Tuesday. PHOTO: AFP

Keisuke Honda fired Japan into the 2014 World Cup Tuesday with a dramatic injury-time penalty which salvaged a 1-1 draw with Australia and made them the first team to qualify alongside hosts Brazil.
Tommy Oar's fortuitous late strike had looked set to condemn the hosts to an undeserved defeat. But after Matthew McKay handled in the box, Honda drove his spot-kick straight down the middle to earn the necessary point.
The result left the Asian champions seven points clear and uncatchable in Group B, putting them through to their fifth straight World Cup. It is the first time they have sealed qualification on home soil.
"I was nervous. I tried to hit the shot to the centre," said Honda. "If it was saved, there was nothing I could do about it."
Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni, who joined Japan after the 2010 World Cup, said his attractive Blue Samurai side would "surprise the world" at next year's tournament in Brazil.
"I came to Japan to bring them to the World Cup -- that was my bottom line," said the Italian. "I feel relieved that I achieved it. We are going to improve further and surprise the world."
Holger Osieck's Australia meanwhile will be glad of the point away from home as they scrap with Jordan, Oman and Iraq for the second automatic qualifying spot. The third-placed team will go into a play-off.
Japan are now through to their fifth straight World Cup since making their debut in 1998, and with a high-quality side which will look to build on their run to the last 16 four years ago in South Africa.
Australia have two games left to make sure of reaching their third World Cup in a row. The Socceroos host Jordan next week followed by Iraq on June 18.