Japan's soccer players splash drinks on their coach Alberto Zaccheroni (C) as they celebrate becoming the first side to qualify for the World Cup finals in Brazil after their 2014 World Cup qualifying soccer match against Australia in Saitama, north of Tokyo, June 4, 2013. REUTERS/Toru Hanai
(Reuters) - Japan became the first team to qualify for the 2014 World Cup finals after a last-gasp home draw against Australia on Tuesday, while arch-rivals South Korea also conjured up a late equaliser in Beirut to inch closer to a spot in Brazil.
The 62,000-plus crowd at Saitama stadium survived anxious moments before playmaker Keisuke Honda converted an injury-time penalty as Japan salvaged a draw to grab one of the two direct qualifications from Group B.
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