Japan took a giant step toward next year's World Cup finals with 1-0 win over Bahrain in an Asian zone Group B qualifier in Manama on Friday.
Japan midfielder Mitsuo Ogasawara scores against Bahrain during an Asian zone Group B qualifier in Manama.
Midfielder Mitsuo Ogasawara scored the winner with a clinical finish in the 34th minute in sweltering conditions at Bahrain National Stadium to put Japan within a point of securing a place in Germany.
The result kept the Asian champion in second place in the group with nine points from four games, one behind leader Iran, which beat North Korea 1-0 thanks to Rahman Rezaei's headed winner in first-half injury time.