Keisuke Honda Penalty Sends Japan to World Cup (Video)

Japan has become the first country to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Keisuke Honda's late penalty secured a 1-1 draw with Australia and ensured Japan will win AFC's Group B.

Brazil qualified automatically as host of the event, which will be held next June and July. It will be Japan's fifth consecutive appearance in the quadrennial event.

Japan and manager Alberto Zaccheroni entered Tuesday's match knowing a draw would be enough to secure World Cup qualification, but Australia took the lead in the 82nd minute when Tommy Oar's cross-shot fluttered into the net. That goal can be seen in this video.

But in the closing minutes, Australia's Matt McKay handled the ball in the box, giving Japan a chance to equalize from the penalty spot. Honda converted with a powerful strike down the middle of the goal, and Japan's players celebrated with gusto.

Honda's World Cup qualification-sealing penalty appears in the video above.

With the win, Japan moved to 13 points in AFC qualifying Group B, seven ahead of Australia and Jordan. The latter two teams have two matches left, meaning they cannot catch Japan. The top two teams qualify for the World Cup, with the third-placed team entering a series of playoffs.

Australia remains in second place on goal differential.

In Group A, Uzbekistan is first with 11 points. South Korea is second, one point behind but with one match in hand. Iran and Qatar each have seven points.

With Japan set for Brazil, what do we think of their chances? Can Zaccheroni lead his team through the group stage? Let us know in the comments below.

(Video: 101 Great Goals)