Saints ace Maya Yoshida is off to next summer's World Cup finals.

A dramatic last-minute penalty ensured Japan today became the first team to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil as they snatched a 1-1 draw with Australia at the Saitama Stadium.

Alberto Zaccheroni's men knew a draw would be enough to secure a place in Brazil next summer, but that looked unlikely when Tommy Oar fired the Socceroos ahead eight minutes from time.

However, Keisuke Honda held his nerve to convert from the spot in the dying seconds to give Japan - who included defender Yoshida in their starting line-up - their safe passage through from Asian qualifying Group B.