Japan beat Australia to make World Cup, Saudis also qualify

Substitute Kaoru Mitoma scored twice in the dying minutes as Japan beat Australia 2-0 on Thursday to book their place at a seventh straight World Cup and in doing so also helped Saudi Arabia qualify.

It was a crushing blow for an understrength Socceroos who now face a perilous play-off to keep alive their hopes of making Qatar.

The game in Sydney looked destined for a draw before Mitoma converted from close range on 89 minutes, and then again after a mazy run to spark joyous celebrations.