On Tuesday, Japan, who was also a contender for the title like Brazil, faced England and deservedly won in London. Kaoru Mitoma scored quietly in the first half to give Japan their first win over England and inflict the hosts' first defeat. Japan easily navigated the Asian qualifiers to become the first team to secure a spot in the finals scheduled for North America. In October, they also beat Brazil 3-2 in a friendly match on their home soil. Coach Hajime Moriyasu had warned that it was just a friendly match, but Japan's unexpected and unprecedented 1-0 victory over England at Wembley confirms that the 'Blue Samurai' are capable of going far in the FIFA World Cup.
