Soccer-Japan seek quarter-final spot after 'Agony of Doha'

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - International Friendly - Ecuador v Japan - Merkur Spielarena, Dusseldorf, Germany - September 27, 2022 Japan players pose for a team group photo before the match REUTERS/Thilo Schmuelgen/File Photo

(Reuters) - Japan will remember with anguish a World Cup qualifier 28 years ago in Qatar when they were within seconds of reaching their first finals only to concede a stoppage-time equaliser to Iraq which sent arch-rivals South Korea through instead.

That crushing moment is known as the "Agony of Doha" but while Japan's biggest soccer setback may never be forgotten, the Samurai Blue are determined to reverse their fortunes and make Qatar the stage for their best World Cup performance.