Japan's football team to play last qualifier match against Iraq

Japan soccer team captain Makoto Hasebe said Wednesday that he felt “relieved” the team had booked a spot in the 2014 FIFA World Cup with a thrilling 1-1 draw with Australia the previous night.

Coach Alberto Zaccheroni, Hasebe and his teammates all voiced their delight at a press conference held Wednesday in Saitama. Australia led the game until the last minute, but Japan was awarded a penalty during stoppage time. Keisuke Honda, a midfielder who plays for CSKA Moscow, smashed his shot into the goal.

The draw ensured one of two spots available in Group B for Japan with one game to spare. Moreover, Oman’s victory over Iraq in the other Group B match sealed Japan’s finish as No. 1 in the group.

At the press conference, Zaccheroni said he was delighted about qualifying for the World Cup and was grateful to the players. Hasebe, who plays for German team Wolfsburg, said: “One day after the game, frankly speaking, I feel relieved. As we get closer to the World Cup, we want to speed up our growth more and more.”

On Thursday evening, the Samurai Blue will depart for Doha, a neutral site, to play their last qualifier against Iraq, which is set for Tuesday.