Japanese first to book place

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- 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.