Saudi Arabia look certain to go through and against Singapore need only a draw, as do unbeaten Bahrain, who spurned a chance to qualify for the fourth round last week when they had to battle to a draw at home to winless Thailand.

Bahrain’s Czech coach Milan Macala, however, knows a point against Japan or his former team Oman could be harder than it may seem.

"Ten points and we still haven’t qualified -- it’s unbelievable," Macala told Reuters.

"The situation is a little bit difficult now, our group is a very special group.

"Everything is in our hands, it’s not always a good position to be in. It’s going to go down to the final game. This is why everyone loves football."

Japan, who play Thailand in Bangkok, are second in the group on seven points, with Oman on four.

Two teams from each of the five groups qualify.

Unpredictable South Korea can advance by beating Group 3 whipping boys Turkmenistan on Saturday, although it is is still tight at the top.

North Korea only trail the South on goal difference and they too can progress with a win over Jordan.

Iraq’s defeat of Australia last week has turned up the heat in Group 1, where the Socceroos’ seemingly unassailable lead has now been slashed.

Australia and Qatar -- who face each other this weekend -- have seven points but Asian champions Iraq have thrust themselves back into the running and cut the deficit to three points.

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They face goal-shy China in Tianjin, who also need a win to stand any chance of progressing and are desperate for victory after a string of dismal performances.
"Saturday’s game will be difficult for both sides," said Iraq’s long-serving coach Adnan Hamad.

"I think in the current situation all the four teams have a chance and this group will not be decided until the last match."

There is tension in the all-Middle East Group 5, with all four sides separated by just two points.

Heavyweights Iran have regained confidence after putting months of atrocious form behind them and lead on six points, with the United Arab Emirates and Syria one adrift and Kuwait on four.

"We were down on our luck in our first three qualifiers," Iran coach Ali Daei told reporters. "Iran can play better and we are going to win our two remaining matches."

Group 4 should be decided when Saudi Arabia travel to Singapore on Saturday, lifted by the knowledge that the Lions were pummelled 7-3 by Uzbekistan the last time they played at the National Stadium.

The Saudis, who have reached the World Cup four times, need one point to go through to the final stage. Unstoppable Uzbekistan have qualified after a perfect four wins from four.

The final round of qualifiers begin in September and will be contested by 10 teams.