Japan swept past Syria 3-0 in neutral Oman on Thursday to seize top spot in second-round Group E in Asian qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Keisuke Honda converted from the penalty spot in the 55th minute to give Japan the lead and Shinji Okazaki smashed home from close range before substitute Takashi Usami sealed the former Asian champions' third win in succession in the late stages.
The result puts Vahid Halilhodzic's men top of the group with 10 points from four games, one ahead of Syria, who were ordered to play the game in Oman due to the political situation at home.