The 2-0 win sees the South Koreans join Iran, who previously sealed their own berth on Thursday, as two of Asia’s three confirmed representatives at the year-end tournament alongside hosts Qatar.
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South Korea became the second team to seal qualification for 2022 FIFA World Cup from the Asian qualifiers. The Taeguk Warriors defeated Syria 2-0 in Dubai on Tuesday to secure top-two finish in Group A. The result sees the South Koreans join Iran, who previously sealed their own berth on Thursday, as two of Asia’s three confirmed representatives at the year-end tournament alongside hosts Qatar. In Group B, a first-half goal from Takumi Minamino set Japan on the way to beating Saudi Arabia 2-0 at Saitama stadium and keeping the hosts on course for a seventh successive World Cup.
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The Taeguk Warriors are going to #Qatar2022!
?? Korea Republic are the second team to qualify for the #WorldCup from Asia after Iran ??? pic.twitter.com/0CIPKwxJ14
— #WAC2022 (@afcasiancup) February 1, 2022
The only thing left to play in Group A is third spot and a place in the qualifying playoff. While Group B remains wide open with three teams still in the running to claim a guaranteed spot at the World Cup.
South Korea qualified for their 10th successive FIFA World Cup courtesy of second-half goals from Kim Jin-su and Kwon Chang-hoon. The win helped South Korea to move 11 points clear of the third-placed United Arab Emirates, which has just three games remaining. The top two teams from each of the two groups automatically qualify while the third-placed teams advance to playoffs.
In Midori-ku, Minamino’s goal from close range after 31 minutes was created by Junya Ito. The winger then turned goal-scorer as he doubled Japan’s lead with a powerful strike from the edge of the box. Having claimed six wins and a draw in their previous seven matches, Saudi Arabia finally suffered their first defeat of the campaign as they fell to Japan.
Saudi Arabia is now in real danger of missing out on the top two. The Green Falcons still have a pivotal match against Australia to come in their final qualifier, while Japan look to be in ascendancy after a slow start to win five on the trot.
Meanwhile Australia missed the chance to close the gap by twice surrendering leads in Oman. Elsewhere, last-placed Vietnam defeated China 3-1 in Hanoi. The defeat ended China’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup for only the second time.
