AFC 2014 World Cup qualifying: Japan qualify for Brazil

Australia has two games left to secure a place in the World game with home games against Jordan and Iran later in the month. Jordan is tied with Australia on seven points.

Abdul Salam Al-Mukhaini’s goal just before halftime propelled Oman into second place in Group B, at least for the moment. All three teams behind Oman, including Australia and Jordan, have two games left to play while Oman is down to one final qualifier. Iraq drop to last place in the group with the loss but remain alive for both automatic qualification or a playoff spot.

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Australia currently sit third in Group B, in a playoff spot. They have a game in hand on second-placed Jordan and fourth-placed Oman, but the tight nature of the group means that their situation is a tumultuous one. Oman only trail them on goal differential, while Iraq are behind by just one point. A loss to Japan would put them in a sticky situation, but a draw puts them in control of their own destiny.

Match date/time: Wednesday, 6:30 a.m. ET

The Socceroos have had an up-and-down qualifying cycle and find themselves in big trouble in Group B. They currently sit in third place, with Oman and Iraq both breathing down their neck. Australia won’t find themselves out of qualifying with a loss, but it will put them in a sticky situation and make direct qualification without a playoff difficult. Oman and Iraq play the other game in Group B, with Jordan sitting out.

Japan vs. Australia - 6:30 a.m.

Oman vs. Iraq - 9 a.m.

Qatar vs. Iran - 12:30 p.m.

Lebanon vs. South Korea - 1:30 p.m.