Soccer-Japan beat Iraq 1-0 in World Cup qualifier

SAITAMA, Japan, Sept 11 (Reuters) - Japan survived early

pressure from Zico's Iraq to beat them 1-0 at home on Tuesday,

taking a significant step towards qualifying for the 2014 soccer

World Cup in Brazil.

Ryoichi Maeda steered in a point-blank header in the 25th

minute for the Asian champions, who lost playmaker Shinji Kagawa

to a back strain an hour before kick-off.

Iraq, shock Asian Cup winners in 2007 and now under the

stewardship of former Japan coach Zico, could have scored twice

before Maeda struck, both times having close-range efforts

blocked.

A diving header from Keisuke Honda was brilliantly tipped

against the post by goalkeeper Noor Sabri in the second half.

Japan now lead World Cup qualifying Group B by eight points

from Iraq, Australia and Oman, at least until Jordan host the

Socceroos later on Tuesday.

Alberto Zaccheroni's side have 10 points from four matches

in the final round of Asian qualifying.

(Reporting by Alastair Himmer; Editing by Clare Fallon)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/soccer-japan-beat-iraq-1-0-world-cup-123559188--sow.html

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