JAPAN BEAT AUSSIES TO REACH RUSSIA

JAPAN became the second Asian country to qualify for Russia 2018, thanks to a 2-0 win over Australia. Arsenal’s Takuma Asano, on loan at VfB Stuttgart, scored as Japan joined Iran at the finals. Australia must now battle with Saudi Arabia, who are on the same points but with superior goal difference, for the last automatic berth. The Aussies face Thailand on Tuesday and must hope Saudi Arabia slip up against Japan.