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MANAMA, Sept 6 (Reuters) - Japan survived a nervy finish to beat Bahrain 3-2 in their Asian zone Group One World Cup qualifier on Saturday.
The three-times Asian champions looked to be heading for a comfortable victory when they were three up with five minutes remaining but conceded two late goals.
Chasing a place at their fourth successive finals, the Japanese took 18 minutes to get off the mark through Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura.
Yasuhito Endo converted a penalty on the stroke of halftime and Kengo Nakamura added another goal with five minutes remaining.
Bahrain pulled one back two minutes later through Salman Isa before Tulio put the ball into his own net to take the shine off what would have otherwise been a convincing away victory.
Japan are in qualifying Group One, which also includes Qatar, Uzbekistan and Asian newcomers Australia.
