WORLD CUP 2014

Asian trio become first qualifiers

Australia, Japan and South Korea became the first team to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa ™ today, and did so with two rounds to spare in the area of Asia.

Takeshi Okada's team sealed their ticket first, Uzbekistan, edges, before the Socceroos joined them courtesy of a tie on goals from Doha. Taeguk Warriors then confirmed its presence in seventh consecutive World Cup with a comfortable away win.

All that remains to be determined in the region is that both teams finishing third in the two sections and, therefore, the battle for the right to face New Zealand in a play-off for a place in the 19th World soccer event of the event.

Day 8 results
June 6, 2009

Group A: Australia 0-0 Qatar, Japan 0-1 Uzbekistan
Group B: DPR Korea 0-0 Iran, United Arab Emirates 0-2 Korea Republic

Game of the Day
Japan 0-1 Uzbekistan
Shinji Okazaki (9)

Uzbekistan pressed hard throughout, played some football and intriciate created most of the possibilities. However, the best fell to Japan, and especially Shinji Okazaki achieved one of them, latching on to Kengo Nakamura pass over head home in the ninth minute. The States of Central Asia threw everything forward in the second half, but without the talismanic Maksim Shatskikh, lacked a cutting edge. Japan has booked three players sent off and Makat Hasebe in the closing moments, but defended resolutely to book a place in South Africa 2010.

Surprise of the day
DPR Korea 0-0 Iran

While there were no major surprises on Day 8, DPR Korea had achieved something that eluded her in previous meeting with Iran in three World Cup World Cup qualifying: avoid defeat. Ali Karimi, to head back to midfield with Mehdi Mahdavikia, the visitors looked the more dangerous side in the opening half, with Vahid Hashemian almost breaking the deadlock with a volley just before the break. The hosts, however, the interval from one side and quickly took the game to their opponents. Jong Tae-Se was twice about breaking the deadlock, while Hong Yong-Jo and Pak Nam Chol also be opportunities. Team Melli point was finally indebted to goalkeeper Seyed Rahmati, which produces an excellent save.

Other games
Australia 0-0 Qatar

One point is needed across Australia, but there is no doubt that they made efforts to secure a second World Cup title with the victory. However, the Socceroos found a rival in impregnable Qasem Burhan. In fact, after the 27th minutes Tim Cahill shot had grazed the post, the goalkeeper made a series of Qatar keeper that Everton player, Harry Kewell and Joshua Kennedy.

United Arab Emirates 0-2 Korea Republic
Park Chu-Young (5), Ki Sung-Yueng (37)

Republic of Korea made light work of a side that had nothing but pride at stake. Park Chu-Young put the visitors ahead after only five minutes, an advantage when Lee Chung-Youg move closely, and they doubled their advantage 32 minutes later when United Arab Emirates keeper Majed Naser Parrie a draft the path of Yueng Ki-Sung, who found the unguarded net.

What they said
"This was out of play really hard, but I'm really happy because I had only scored in friendly matches before. This time, I feel like I did very well for the Japanese team," forward Shinji Okazaki Japan

Player of the Day
Coach Takeshi Okada surprised many by starting Shinji Okazaki instead Keiji Tamada. However, their faith in the young forward as dividends paid to 23 years old rose to the occasion to head home the winning goal.

The numbers game
1 - With only two rounds remaining in Asian qualifying, only one team has been eliminated: United Arab Emirates, whose hopes were ended by a 3-2 loss to Saudi Arabia the previous day.