Japan survived a late onslaught to become the first country to join host South Africa at next year's World Cup finals after a gritty 1-0 win away to Uzbekistan in an Asian qualifier on Saturday.
Shinji Okazaki's ninth-minute goal proved enough to ensure 2002 cohost Japan claimed its fourth consecutive berth at the World Cup, sealing qualification with two matches to spare in Group A.
"It was a tough game but the players held their nerve and battled through. We are excited. The challenge begins here," said Japan coach Takeshi Okada, who was ejected from the bench for apparently protesting Makoto Hasebe's 89th-minute sendoff.