In 1997, Japan and Iran finished 2nd in their respective qualifying groups for the 1998 edition, and met in the 3rd place match on 16 November 1997, in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The match would decide the 3rd and last automatic qualifier from Asia and the loser would face Australia in a two-legged playoff. Unlike the match four years before, Japan fell behind in the second half, but scored a late equalizer and won 3-2 on a golden goal in extra time, earning the nation its first trip to the World Cup. This match was tagged in reference to the Agony of Doha.