Rugby World Cup: Japan celebrate historic quarter

Host Japan has made it to the quarterfinals of a rugby world championship for the first time. The team prevailed on Sunday in a thrilling and high-class match 28:21 (21: 7) against Scotland. With four wins from four games, the Japanese finished the first round group A as a table first.

For a short while, it had not been clear if the match between Japan and Scotland would take place. In Japan, typhoon "Hagibis" had previously caused destruction, with at least 14 people dying. Three games of the Rugby World Cup had been canceled, including the crucial group game of Italy.

"The typhoon is having a tough time right now," said Japan captain Michael Leitch, "Everyone who suffers from the typhoon, this game was for you."

• Read here how Japan has planned its success in rugby for years

Scotland would have had to win at least eight points to win with an additional bonus point in the quarter-finals. At half-time Japan had led 21: 7, Scotland would have had to start the biggest catch-up hunt in the history of the World Cup, yet still to reach the next round. Only for the second time Scotland does not reach the World Cup quarter-finals.

The moment Japan made history #JPNVSCO # RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/4VSOTLQ703

Co-favorite Ireland made it to the quarter-finals on Saturday in Fukuoka by beating Samoa 47-5 as the second team in Japan's Group A. Wales qualified for Uruguay on Sunday with a 35-13 (7-0) win over the last eight teams. The Welsh meet France, defending champions New Zealand play against Ireland, England play against Australia. Japan meets fellow favorite South Africa.