TOKYO, June 4: Japan midfielder Hidetoshi Nakata said the Asian champions were certain to book their place in next year’s World Cup after Friday’s 1-0 win in Bahrain. Japan overcame Bahrain in balmy Manama after a fine strike from midfielder Mitsuo Ogasawara in the 34th minute. Victory gave them nine points from four games in Group B.
In other matches, Saudi Arabia climbed above South Korea to take top spot in Group A after a comprehensive 3-0 home win over nine-man Kuwait. Striker Mohammed Al Shalhoob scored twice in Riyadh as Saudi Arabia improved to eight points.—Reuters