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Aussies look to progress in Dubai

Australia will almost certainly seal their place in the final phase of World Cup qualifying if they beat Iraq tomorrow, while China face a do-or-die clash against Qatar.

The Socceroos are three points clear of Qatar in Group 1 and four ahead of China with three matches remaining and, barring an upset, victory will ensure Pim Verbeek’s team continue their march toward South Africa.

The draw for the final stretch of qualifying, starting in September, is made later this month, with 10 teams going in the hat.

Four of them will automatically make the finals in 2010, with a fifth playing off against an Oceania Football Confederation team.

Tiny Bahrain can join Australia in the next stage if they win or draw against Thailand and Japan beat Oman in Group 2, while Uzbekistan will progress if they take three points off Singapore in Tashkent.

Australia beat Asian champions Iraq 1-0 in Brisbane last weekend, but with temperatures in Dubai soaring above 40ºC, the heat could play a significant factor in the return leg.

China need to make the most of home advantage against Qatar in Tianjin after three successive draws left them struggling for survival.

If they can beat the Qataris and then Iraq a week later they will be virtually assured of a spot in the final qualifying round.

Japan have been boosted by former coach Ivica Osim joining the team as a adviser after recovering from a serious stroke last November, with his key task being to ensure they make it to South Africa.

They are currently on six points, three behind Bahrain in Group 2, and face a crucial match against Oman, who have three points, in Muscat.

The other groups are much tighter affairs, with South Korea and North Korea both on five points in Group 3, ahead of Jordan on four and Turkmenistan on one.

South Korea let a two-goal lead slip against Jordan last weekend and now must beat them in Manama.

North Korea are at home to Turkmenistan following their goalless draw last weekend.

In Group 5, Iran are in trouble on three points and Ali Daei’s team needing to beat UAE to stay in the hunt. Syria travel to Kuwait.
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