Japan wrapped up its 2006 World Cup qualifying first-round campaign with a 100 percent record after a 1-0 win over Singapore in Asian zone Group 3 on Wednesday night.
Japan's Keisuke Tsuboi (left) and Singapore's Indra Sahdan Daud battle for the ball during their World Cup qualifying Asian zone Group 3 match Wednesday night at Saitama Stadium 2002. Japan won 1-0.
Keiji Tamada struck the decisive goal in the 13th minute on a chilly night at Saitama Stadium 2002 as the Asian champions, already through to next year's final round of qualifiers, finished top of the group with a maximum 18 points from six games.
Having booked a place in the final round after last month's 1-0 win away to Oman, the match against Singapore had been rendered mostly meaningless and Japan coach Zico wanted to call up several ex-internationals as a way of thanking them for their contributions to the national team.