Japan reaches World Cup, first to join hosts Brazil

Australia’s Tim Cahill, left, and Japan’s Yasuyuki Konno battle for the ball during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Asian qualifiers in Saitama, near Tokyo, Tuesday, June 4, 2013. AP

SAITAMA, Japan — Japan became the first team to qualify for next year’s World Cup alongside hosts Brazil on Tuesday when they drew 1-1 with Australia in Saitama.

Keisuke Honda buried an injury-time penalty to salvage a deserved draw for the hosts after they went behind to a freak goal against the run of play by Australia’s Tommy Oar on 82 minutes.