Japan's national soccer team secured a spot in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, beating Australia 2-0 in the final Asian qualifying round.

Japan had been ranked second in Group B with six wins and two losses, with two matches left. Australia had been ranked third in the group.

Thursday's match in Sydney remained without a goal until shortly before the end. But Japan's midfielder Mitoma Kaoru, who appeared halfway, scored two decisive goals, resulting in victory.

Following the win, Japan extended its points to 21, securing its second or higher rank in the group. It is a position enabling Japan to automatically advance to the World Cup competition in Qatar even before playing the last match of the qualifiers.

This will be Japan's seventh straight World Cup competition.