Japan Became the first team to join Brazil at 2014 World cup

AFC – TOKYO, Japan  became the first team to join hosts Brazil at the 2014 FIFA World Cup™, completing their qualifying mission in style with a 1-1 draw against Australia in Saitama. Despite missing out in March with a 2-1 reverse in Jordan, the Samurai Blue sealed their fifth consecutive appearance at the global showpiece with a game to spare.

Even more impressively, a new-look Japan have grown as Alberto Zaccheroni’s side have maintained their superb form during the 19-month qualifying period. In a sense, the Italian tactician has prepared a squad ready to make history in this month’s FIFA Confederation Cup and the next year’s FIFA World Cup.

The upcoming trip to the Festival of Champions will see them open the tournament against the hosts Brazil, pairing together the only confirmed entrants to the global finals so far. At the final whistle, Brazilian sports minister Aldo Rebelo was quick to congratulate the 2011 AFC Asian Cup-winners on securing their place.

“Japan’s qualification for the FIFA World Cup is a guarantee that we’ll have a great opening game for the Confederations Cup,” he said. “A four-time continental champion, Japanese football has been evolving year after year.”