Aussies close in on World Cup

The Socceroos moved to the brink of World Cup qualification Wednesday as South Korea scored a last-gasp goal to shatter North Korean dreams in a match overshadowed by political tensions.

Astralia battled to a 2-0 victory over Uzbekistan to remain unbeaten in their five games and regain top spot in Asian Group A with 13 points.

If Bahrain and Qatar, both on four points, draw their match in Manama later Wednesday then Pim Verbeek’s men will become the first team anywhere to book their place at the World Cup next year.

Japan, who had a night off Wednesday, are hot favourites to join them from the group with 11 points from their five games.

Australia’s goals were a long time coming after a flat first half but a strike from substitute Josh Kennedy and a penalty from Harry Kewell inside the final 25 minutes kept them on track.

In Seoul, North Korea looked to have done enough to earn a point to keep them on top of Group B but Kim Chi-Woo gave the South a valuable victory with an 88th minute goal.

It leaves South Korea leading the group on 11 points to the North’s 10, and with a game in hand.

The win means Saudi Arabia need to beat the United Arab Emirates at home later Wednesday to stay in touch.

The Saudis have seven points and Iran have six.

SYDNEY, AFP