The only thing for certain at the moment in AFC qualifying is that Japan are in really good shape. After that, it's a near free for all in both qualifying groups with several teams still alive for either an automatic World Cup spot or the less glamorous place in the fifth round playoff match.
AFC 2014 World Cup qualifying: Australia face a must win against Oman
The pressure is building on Australia to get results as they try to avoid having to enter a playoff for a World Cup spot. In the other group, Uzbekistan and South Korea are battling for the top spot.
Matt King
Australia are currently in an automatic spot but only thanks to a precarious goal differential advantage over Iraq and Oman. The Socceroos host Oman tomorrow at the Anz Stadium in Sydney with a chance to potentially create a little breathing room for themselves or at least keep their nose just ahead of the team's chasing them. It's also a game in hand for the Aussies as everyone else in their group have already played five games. Japan travels to Jordan in the other Group B match.
In other other group Uzbekistan remains in first place, one point ahead of South Korea. Uzbekistan hosts last place Lebanon and will need a win to guarantee they stay atop the group. Korea have played one less game than the rest of the group so their match against Qatar is important for keeping pressure on Uzbekistan. The two sides meet in June.
Schedule (all times ET)
Australia vs. Oman - 4:30am
South Korea vs. Qatar - 7:00am
Uzbekistan vs. Lebanon - 9:00am
Jordan vs. Japan - 10:00am
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