Japan one step closer to Brazil

Japan took a significant step towards Brazil 2012, after defeating Iraq 1-0 in the FIFA World Cup qualifier in Saitama.

Japan took a significant step towards Brazil 2012, after defeating Iraq 1-0 in the FIFA World Cup qualifier in Saitama.

Ryoichi Maeda headed home in the 25th minute, following a deep throw from Shinji Okazaki for the only goal of the game.

It was a nervy performance from Japan, with Iraq putting plenty of pressure on the Blue Samurai.

"It's three points, we'll take it," Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni told reporters. "It was an important result. We want to qualify for Brazil as quickly as possible."

The result gives Japan an eight-point lead in World Cup qualifying Group B, before Jordan face the Qantas Socceroos .