TASHKENT, June 6 - Japan became the first team to
qualify for the 2010 soccer World Cup in South Africa when they
beat Uzbekistan 1-0 in a Group One qualifier on Saturday.
Shinji Ozaki struck the only goal early in the game to
secure Japan's place at their fourth finals. They were also the
first team through to the 2006 tournament in Germany.
Japan will be joined by Australia if the Socceroos avoid
defeat by Qatar in Doha later on Saturday.
(Writing by Martin Petty in Bangkok; Editing by Kevin Fylan; To
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