Japan secured their spot in the Asian final round of qualifying for the World Cup by winning their match against North Korea through a forfeit. The original game was supposed to take place in Pyongyang, but North Korea decided not to host it due to unforeseen circumstances.
Prior to the cancellation, Japan had already defeated North Korea 1-0 at Tokyo’s National Stadium on March 21. The news of the cancellation came after reports of a “malignant, infectious disease” in Japan, possibly referring to the increase in fulminant hemolytic streptococcal infections in the country. Despite the disappointment of missing out on playing opportunities, Japan’s manager, Hajime Moriyasu, viewed the situation as a positive step forward in World Cup qualifying.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) confirmed the cancellation of the match due to unforeseen circumstances, leading FIFA to determine the final result. The victory by forfeit for Japan marked a significant milestone in their journey towards World Cup qualification and showcased their winning streak.