Heavyweights Saudi Arabia, Iran, Australia, Japan and South Korea and DPR Korea marched into the last 10 with their respective wins, while Bahrain also made it after it drew with Oman.

With Uzbekistan qualifying the earliest, two more places remain to be decided next weekend. Either Qatar or Asian champions Iraq will secure one of the two spots when they face each other in a final Group 1 match in Dubai on June 22.

Australia, the Asia newcomer, made the next phase thanks to one goal in each half from Blackburn Rovers midfielder Brett Emerton and a late strike from Harry Kewell, ensuring a 3-1 win over Qatar.

Iraq kept its World Cup hope alive with a turn-around 2-1 win over China in Tianjin.

In a must-win match, the Chinese fought hard and went ahead through Zhou Haibin in a free kick but Iraq found an equalizer close to halftime through Emad Mohammed. Playmaker Nashat Akram then blasted Iraq’s winner on 66 minutes.

"The score does not tell the story, this was a difficult game for us especially after going a goal behind," Iraq coach Adnan Hamad said, "We are very happy that we delivered on our promise to go back home with three points."

South Korea reached the next stage, rallying late to beat Turkmenistan 3-1 when West Bromwich Albion midfielder Kim Do-heon scored in the space of three minutes after the score was tied at 1-1.

DPR Korea also went through, with goals either side of halftime by Hong Yong-jo to see off Jordan 2-0.

"We worked hard to get this win," said DPR Korea coach Kim Jong-hun, "Things went our way so we successfully made it through to the next round."

Saudi Arabia thrashed Singapore 3-0 to take the second slot in Group 4 and stay on course for their fifth World Cup. They were joined by Bahrain, whose surprise 1-1 draw Oman also ensured Japan’s passage into round four.

Uzbekistan trounced winless Lebanon 3-0 in Tashkent to extend their 100 percent record in qualifying.

Iran reached the next phase with a 2-0 win over Syria in Damascus.

The United Arab Emirates look most likely to take the second Group 5 slot after their 3-2 win over Kuwait, needing only a draw to progress.

Japan punished Thailand 3-0 in Bangkok, with solid counter attacks and well-worked set pieces.