Asian Football Confederation president Salman Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has officially congratulated Japan for becoming the first team to qualify for the 2014 World Cup.
Alberto Zaccheroni's Blue Samurai drew 1-1 with Australia in Saitama on Tuesday night which allowed them to move into the finals in Brazil next year with Shaikh Salman offering his words of praise.
"I was delighted to learn that Asian champions Japan are the first side to qualify for the festival of world football, which takes place next year. I would like to congratulate the Japan football family on this achievement," he said.
"I wish the team the very best as they seek to fly high the Asian flag on the world stage.
"With just two more rounds left, the race to represent Asia is going to be very exciting. I wish all the teams luck."
