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Saitama– In-form Japan took a big action towards World Cup certification with a 2-0 home win over group leaders Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino provided the four-time Asian champs the lead midway through the first half, prior to Junya Ito bagged another soon after the break in Saitama.The Saudis went into the video game 4 points clear of Japan at the top of Group B, knowing that a win would seal their place in Qatar.But Japans success rather established a tense battle for the 2 automated qualifying areas with 2 video games staying, with Australia also still in the hunt.The Socceroos were in action away to Oman later in the day.Japan began the certifying campaign with two losses from their very first 3 video games, however have now won 5 in a row.Again shaking off the lack of crucial protective set Maya Yoshida and Takehiro Tomiyasu, the home side started strongly and took the lead in the 31st minute.Ito burst clear of a Saudi defender down the right to square a low cross that Yuya Osako left for Minamino, and the Liverpool guys shot looped up off the goalkeeper and in.Ito then got himself on the scoresheet– his fourth goal in 4 games– knocking the ball house from the edge of the area in the 50th minute.Japan are away to Australia in their next match and finish the project at house to bottom side Vietnam.The Saudis take a trip to China prior to facing Australia at home.
