Japan shook off the late withdrawal of injured Manchester United star Shinji Kagawa to beat Iraq 1-0 and move to the brink of qualification for the 2014 World Cup on Tuesday.
Japan went into the match at Saitama Stadium having taken seven points from its opening three games of the five-team final qualifying round, but a lower back problem suffered by attacking midfielder Kagawa in Monday's training session deprived the home side of one of its most potent weapons.
A headed goal from Ryoichi Maeda midway through the first half was enough to make the difference against a lively Iraq team that created several scoring chances, however, putting Alberto Zaccheroni's side within touching distance of a fifth consecutive World Cup appearance.