After poor results saw the
Samurai Blue drop to third in the continental rankings, the reigning Asian
champions were grouped with the Socceroos in the final round of qualifying
Reigning Asian champions Japan were paired with arch-rivals Australia in the final round of 2014 World Cup
qualifying after a dramatic draw in Kuala
Lumpur
The Socceroos will look to avenge their defeat at the hands of the Samurai Blue in the 2011 Asian Cup final, when they lost 1-0 in extra time on Tadanari Lee's volley strike.
The Socceroos will look to avenge their defeat at the hands of the Samurai Blue in the 2011 Asian Cup final, when they lost 1-0 in extra time on Tadanari Lee's volley strike.
Because of Japan's scheduled
appearance in the 2013 Confederations Cup, Alberto Zaccheroni's side were
placed in Group B's fifth slot after Iran was drawn for Group A's second slot.
Australia 's position was
decided only at the very end of the draw as they joined Oman Iraq, and Jordan in Group B. South Korea was selected in
Group A alongside Iran , Uzbekistan , Qatar
and Lebanon
"I think [Japan ] still
have the same quality players as before," Australia
"It's going to be a tough one, but I'm really looking forward to it, becauseJapan
The Samurai Blue will see another familiar face when they square off againstIraq and former Japan
The final round of qualifying begins on June 3, 2012 and will run until June 18 of next year. The top two teams in each group will advance to the 2014 World Cup finals, while the third-place teams will go head to head in the fifth round and the winner will proceed to face a representative from Conmebol in the play-off for the chance to go toBrazil
AFC 2014 World Cup Qualifying - Fourth Round
Group A: South Korea, Iran, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Lebanon
Group B:Australia , Iraq ,
Jordan , Oman , Japan
"I think [
"It's going to be a tough one, but I'm really looking forward to it, because
The Samurai Blue will see another familiar face when they square off against
The final round of qualifying begins on June 3, 2012 and will run until June 18 of next year. The top two teams in each group will advance to the 2014 World Cup finals, while the third-place teams will go head to head in the fifth round and the winner will proceed to face a representative from Conmebol in the play-off for the chance to go to
AFC 2014 World Cup Qualifying - Fourth Round
Group A: South Korea, Iran, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Lebanon
Group B:
