Asian qualifying set for dramatic conclusion

The final qualification match day is set to be a nail biter, with all but one game having an impact on places in next year's World Cup.

With three Asian places already confirmed - Australia, Japan and Korea Republic - for next years FIFA World Cup, the final qualification match day is set to be a nail biter, with one automatic spot still to be determined in Group B and the play-off-s places to also be determined in both groups.

Bahrain-s loss to Australia means they now face a crunch home tie against Uzbekistan next Wednesday, with the Bahraini-s needing a point to secure a place in the Asian play-off against the 3rd placed team from Group B.

A victory by Uzbekistan would see them draw level with Bahrain on 7 points, but finish ahead on goal difference, with Bahrain only having a goal advantage going into the final match.

Group B is set for a dramatic final day, with Saudi Arabia, DPR Korea and Iran all still within a shot of an automatic berth following last night-s games.

Saudi Arabia picked up a vital point in Seoul against Korea Republic, while Iran-s 1-0 win over United Arab Emirates lifted them to within a point of the Saudi-s and DPR, who face off in the final group game in Riyadh. A win for either side will see them secure an automatic place at next year-s finals, but a draw could allow Iran to slip above them if they can beat the already qualified Korea Republic in Seoul.

If Iran fail to win and DPR Korea can hold on for a draw, they will go through automatically, due to a superior goal difference over Saudi Arabia.

The final Group A game between Australia and Japan is all academic in terms of qualifying places, but pride will be on the line to finish 1st in the group, with Australia holding the advantage. They need just a draw in Melbourne to secure top spot and remain unbeaten in the fourth and final stage of qualifying.