Japan hand Saudis first defeat in WC qualifying group

By: The Associated Press Posted: 6:41 AM CST Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A first-half goal from Takumi Minamino set Japan on the way to beating Saudi Arabia 2-0 at Saitama Stadium on Tuesday and keeping the host on course for a seventh successive World Cup appearance.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 01/02/2022 (1647 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Minamino’s goal from close range after 31 minutes was created by Junya Ito. The Belgian-based winger then added the second soon after the restart with a fierce shot from the edge of the area to seal a first defeat for the Saudis in Asia Group B qualifying.

Saudi Arabia, which would have qualified for a sixth World Cup with a victory, still led the group with 19 points, one more than Japan. Australia will move on to 17 with a win over Oman later Tuesday.