In the Asian section of the FIFA 2010 World Cup Qualifying, the nations were playing for four automatic spots and one play-off spot. For the 4 qualifying berths given to the Asian Football Confederation, 43 nations were battling it out, with the fourth round comprising of 2 groups of 5 teams. The winners and runners up from each groups progress to the finals next year in South Africa, whilst the third placed teams face a play-off for the right to face the team selected by the Oceania Football Confederation.

Heading into qualification Australia looked like one of the strongest teams, and it was no surprise when they topped Group A. They remained unbeaten in their 8 games, picking up 20 points and conceding just 1 goal. Premiership and Everton star Tim Cahill is one of their key players, whilst Blackburn midfielder Brett Emerton top scored with 4 goals. Japan finished second in the group to book their place in next summer’s tournament as well, losing just to Australia. Bahrain finished ahead of Qatar and Uzebekistan in 3rd place to qualify for the play-off.

In Group B, both Korean teams triumphed in what was a fiercely competitive group. South Korea were unbeaten and UAE managed only 1 point, but only 1 point separated Korea DPR, Saudi Arabia and Iran. South Korea topped the group and Manchester United’s Ji-Sung Park will be looking to impress in the finals, whilst Korea DPR scraped 2nd place on goal difference ahead of Saudi Arabia who qualified for a play-off against Bahrain.

Bahrain triumphed against Saudi Arabia on away goals and faced New Zealand for a place in the 2010 World Cup finals. New Zealand won the Oceania qualifying section after comfortably winning their qualifying group. After a goalless first leg in Bahrain, a goal from Plymouth striker Rory Fallon who plies his trade in the English Championship, helped New Zealand to an aggregate 1-0 win and their first appearance in the FIFA World Cup finals since 1982.