Iran vs Uzbekistan is on a day earlier than the other matches (245am Oz East Cost time Tuesday morning)

Thailand vs UAE and Iraq vs Japan  are on at 10pm and 1025pm respectively on Tuesday night - ie right after the Brazil friendly

Japan dropping points to Iraq would be ideal, hopefully that goes in our favour.

While the numbers suggest that UAE dropping points might help Australia by guaranteeing at least 3rd spot I think we would want UAE to win so that they are still in contention when they play Saudi Arabia on MD9.

Iran are now through after winning 2-0.

The Uzbeks will be hoping that tonights Qatar vs South Korea result is favourable, to make it likely that the MD10 WCQ at home against South Korea decides 2nd place in the Group.

This is the Age's take on tonight's games

http://www.theage.com.au/sport/soccer/socceroos-hoping-for-japan-world-cup-slip-20170612-gwp9hm.html

Why can't we produce someone like an Azmoun ffs

At this trajectory Iran will be the clear best in Asia in a few years. 

Iraq have scored against Japan 1-1 after 75 minutes, if the Iraqis can hold on a draw would be HUGE for Australia

1-1 at Full Time

A win and a draw in the last 2 matches will put Australia through to Russia on 20 points

South Korea lost to Qatar 3-2 as well so the other group is also very tight for 2nd place. 

Uzbekistan are playing away to China on MD9 with South Korea hosting Iran then away to the Uzbeks  on MD9 and MD10.

So Sth Korea could end up third! What a turn up! 

We better ensure direct qualification.

I missed this at the time but the South Koreans sacked their coach after the last match

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2017/m=6/news=korea-republic-sack-uli-stielike-2895285.html

If South Korea do not defeat Iran at home on MD9 then the Uzbeks WILL finish 2nd if they win the MD10 clash between the 2 sides.

MD9 results will determine whether a draw on MD10 will be enough for the Koreans.

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/article/thailand-name-strong-squad-for-caltex-socceroos-fifa-world-cup-qualifier/117b6tbk3c3rl13tkk6xa7uouq

According to wikipedia there are 2 players picked in June who were not picked for their last 2 WCQ, both appear to be fringe squad members.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saudi_Arabia_national_football_team

Here's hoping for a 2-0 UAE win next Wednesday morning.
http://www.the-afc.com/2018-fifa-world-cup/road-to-russia-2018-hopefuls-all-set-for-asian-qualifiers
http://www.the-afc.com/2018-fifa-world-cup/12-players-to-watch-in-the-final-2018-fifa-world-cup-asian-qualifiers

Highlights and other 2018 WCQ videos from the AFL youtube channel
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPkuWEMcRg4FwdPKnnw8Z2nB4KXwmQ0jm
https://www.youtube.com/user/AFCCHAMPIONSLEAGUE/videos?flow=list&live_view=502&view=2

All 3 goals in the UAE win over the Saudis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZTshHxnJxE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sC5PqA4SxhE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pp2LETaXEXg

Full highlights
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDjLWgsmRDc

the table is now
Japan played 8, 17 pts 15-6 +9 GD
SA played 9, 16 pts  16-10 +6 GD
Oz played 8, 16 pts 14-8 +6 GD
UAE on 13 points but need a 6-0 win over Iraq to get anywhere close to SA and Oz on goal difference

Japan now needs either 3 points on Thursday or at least 1 point away to the Saudis on MD10, however there is no difference between a draw or a loss for them on Thursday in terms of their qualifying chances unless the Thais can sneak a point against us in the last match.

For Australia a win against Japan would seal qualification while a draw would mean needing 3 points against Thailand to go though. In the event of a 1-0 or 2-1 loss to Japan the goal difference then goals scored criteria puts pressure on us unless we expect Japan to draw or win the match against the Saudis.  We would then most likely need something like a 2-0 win or 3-1 win against the Thais to put the pressure on the Saudis to have to score 2 against Japan.

Let's get a result on Thursday night.

All 3 Group A matches being played simulatneously, 25 minutes gone
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/asia/all-matches.html

Half Time
Syria 1 Qatar 1, South Korea 0 Iran 0, China 0 Uzbeks 0

Also Thailand 0 Iraq 1 at HT in our group

Syria 1-0 over Iran in Tehran:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_nAC3BroI4

Australia would have to fancy itself it they meet in the play offs.

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