Japan [ Images ] survived early pressure from Zico's Iraq to beat them 1-0 at home on Tuesday, taking a significant step towards qualifying for the 2014 soccer World Cup in Brazil [ Images ].
Ryoichi Maeda steered in a point-blank header in the 25th minute for the Asian champions, who lost playmaker Shinji Kagawa to a back strain an hour before kick-off.
Iraq, shock Asian Cup winners in 2007 and now under the stewardship of former Japan coach Zico, could have scored twice before Maeda struck, both times having close-range efforts blocked.
A diving header from Keisuke Honda was brilliantly tipped against the post by goalkeeper Noor Sabri in the second half.
Japan now lead World Cup qualifying Group B by eight points from Iraq, Australia [ Images ] and Oman, at least until Jordan host the Socceroos later on Tuesday.
Alberto Zaccheroni's side have 10 points from four matches in the final round of Asian qualifying.
Image: Japan's Maya Yoshida (centre) shoots the ball between Iraq's Waleed Salim (left) and Amjed Radhi Yousuf Al-Janabi during their 2014 World Cup qualifier in Saitama, Japan on Tuesday
Photograph: REUTERS/Toru Hanai
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