Goal.com Asia takes a quick look at the situation going to matchday five.

Group One

Qatar - Australia
China - Iraq

The Group of Death is full of life with two matches remaining. Qatar can almost certainly seal their place in the next round with a home win against an Australian team that is struggling to score goals. The Socceroos can definitely secure theirs but Qatar are in form after collecting seven points from the last three matches. A tense 90 minutes are in store.

Over in East Asia, a second successive loss will end China’s dreams of a second World Cup appearance in eight years. The Reds haven’t scored since their opening match 1-1 against Iraq. Neither team would like a similar result in Tianjin. Iraq have their tails up after their win over Australia last week and a second successive victory could send them into the top two.

1: Australia 7
2: Qatar 7
3: Iraq 4
4: China 3

Group Two

Bahrain - Oman
Thailand - Japan

Even though Bahrain have collected ten points, the team is not quite in the final round. A point at home to Oman will be enough for Milan Macala’s team. Oman perhaps deserved more than a point at home to Japan last weekend but need nothing less than a win.

A win for Japan will clinch their place but the team has struggled on its travels fo far, managing just a single point. Bangkok should be an easier destination even if Shunsuke Nakamura doesn’t recover from a knock to the ankle.

1: Bahrain 10
2: Japan 7
3: Oman 4
4: Thailand 1

Group Three

Turkmenistan - South Korea
North Korea - Jordan

A draw at home for North Korea will send both Koreas on to the final round ahead of their meeting in Seoul a week later. As the DPRK defence has conceded a grand total of zero goals in the first four matches, it will be tough for the Jordanians to win in Pyongyang.

South Korea’s victory in Jordan has put the 2002 World Cup semi-finalists within a win of progression. Despite the fact that Park Ji-sung is not fully fit, Korea should have enough in reserve to get the necessary win against a team that has yet to score in the group.

1: South Korea 8
2: North Korea 8
3: Jordan 4
4: Turkmenistan 1

Group Four

Singapore - Saudi Arabia
Uzbekistan - Lebanon

Asia sees the first ’dead rubber’ match of the stage in this group as already qualified Uzbekistan host already dead-and-buried Lebanon.

Singapore need to win to keep their hopes alive but it won’t be easy. The Lions have already lost to the Saudis and have also lost the last two against the Uzbeks. It remains to be seen whether the decision by the Saudis to fire coach Helio Dos Anjos earlier this week was the right one or not. 2002 World Cup boss Nasser Al Johar returns to the fold and his first task in his third spell is to secure a point in Singapore.

1: Uzbekistan 12
2: Saudi Arabia 9
3: Singapore 3
4: Lebanon 0

Group Five

Syria - Iran
Kuwait - UAE

With two points separating the four teams, it could hardly be tighter. Iran’s tough-looking trip to Syria will seem a lot less daunting after winning their first game in UAE last week. It was a battling performance from Team Melli and another win will send Ali Daei’s men to the final stage.

The match in Kuwait City promises to be a tough encounter, Kuwait sprang into life with a 4-2 win over Syria on Matchday four and another win will see the 1982 World Cup participants jump into the top two. It won’t be easy, UAE are still smarting after their Al Ain loss and can’t afford to slip up.

1: Iran 6
2: UAE 5
3: Syria 5
4: Kuwait 4