Japan 1-1 Australia: Japan Second Team to Book Their Ticket for 2014 World Cup

Japan solidified a spot in their fifth consecutive World Cup Tuesday, qualifying for the 2014 tournament in Brazil with a 1-1 draw against Australia.

The match looked destined to be one the Japanese would rue, as the Australians continually frustrated them defensively before taking a shock lead through Tommy Oar's 82nd minute cross-come-shot.

From there, Japan pressed hard and were rewarded with a penalty thanks to a Matt McKay handball in the box.

With the clock just ticking past the 90-minute mark and into extra time, CSKA Moscow midfielder Keisuke Honda stepped up to the spot and lashed the ball past Mark Schwarzer to send the Saitama Stadium into celebration.

The result means that Japan are the first team to qualify for the 2014 World Cup, joining host Brazil as the second team to have their plans set for next summer.

For Australia, the draw pushes them to third in the group, in line for a spot in a long playoff. However, they sit just two points behind Oman for the second automatic-qualifying spot with a match in hand.

The Japanese, meanwhile, have moved clear of both teams and will finish the group in the top spot no matter what occurs over the last few matches.

On the road to Brazil, one domino has fallen. Now, just 30 spots remain for the world's best tournament.

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