YOKOHAMA -- After collecting its first-ever World Cup finals point five days ago, Japan reached another milestone on Sunday night when the Boys in Blue beat Russia 1-0 at International Stadium Yokohama.
Arsenal and man-of-the-match Junichi Inamoto struck five minutes after the break for Japan's winning goal.
With the victory Japan improved its point total to four with one match remaining against Tunisia on June 14 in Osaka. Russia stands second with three points and the edge in goal differential to stay behind Japan, followed by Belgium (3 points) and Tunisia (0). Belgium and Tunisia will play on Monday in Oita.