FIFA World Cup
Several of Asia's challengers, however, have work to do if they are to advance and the-AFC.com takes a look at where the continent's nine representatives stand.
Group A
South Africa v Korea Republic
Korea Republic's fate remains very much in their hands despite the 1-0 defeat to Mexico on Matchday Two.
South Africa v Korea Republic
Korea Republic's fate remains very much in their hands despite the 1-0 defeat to Mexico on Matchday Two.
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Hong Myung-bo's side - on three points - will advance as the group runners-up by avoiding defeat against South Africa but the tactician will be expecting a roaring response following the loss against Mexico.
Czechia, who lost 2-1 to Korea Republic in their opening tie, cannot finish above the East Asian side even if they defeat Mexico in their concluding tie.
Czechia, who lost 2-1 to Korea Republic in their opening tie, cannot finish above the East Asian side even if they defeat Mexico in their concluding tie.
Group B
Bosnia-Herzegovina v Qatar
Qatar will also be aiming to respond emphatically against Bosnia-Herzegovina, following the 6-0 defeat to Canada on Matchday Two.
Bosnia-Herzegovina v Qatar
Qatar will also be aiming to respond emphatically against Bosnia-Herzegovina, following the 6-0 defeat to Canada on Matchday Two.
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While finishing as the group runners-up is still mathematically possible, Qatar's negative goal advantage suggests the best the two-time AFC Asian Cup™ winners can hope for is to advance as one of the best eight third-placed teams.
Head coach Julen Loptegui vowed that Qatar - who drew 1-1 with Switzerland in their opening clash - will be ready for Bosnia-Herzegovina who can also still advance - discipline will be key with the West Asian side reduced to nine men against Canada.
Head coach Julen Loptegui vowed that Qatar - who drew 1-1 with Switzerland in their opening clash - will be ready for Bosnia-Herzegovina who can also still advance - discipline will be key with the West Asian side reduced to nine men against Canada.
Group D
Paraguay v Australia
It will be a straight fight for the Group D runners-up spot in Australia's showdown with Paraguay.
Paraguay v Australia
It will be a straight fight for the Group D runners-up spot in Australia's showdown with Paraguay.
Tied on three points, the advantage is with Australia due to their superior goal difference.
Head coach Tony Popovic will challenge his players to deliver after their underwhelming performance in the 2-0 defeat to the United States on Matchday Two.
Head coach Tony Popovic will challenge his players to deliver after their underwhelming performance in the 2-0 defeat to the United States on Matchday Two.
Group F
Japan v Sweden
The Group F top spot is still within Japan's reach as they are tied on four points with the Netherlands but Hajime Moriyasu's side have to be wary of the danger Sweden pose.
Japan v Sweden
The Group F top spot is still within Japan's reach as they are tied on four points with the Netherlands but Hajime Moriyasu's side have to be wary of the danger Sweden pose.
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Sitting a point behind, the European side have everything to play for and Japan can't afford to take them lightly.
They will, however, draw confidence from the impressive 4-0 win against Tunisia on Matchday Two.
They will, however, draw confidence from the impressive 4-0 win against Tunisia on Matchday Two.
Group G
Egypt v IR Iran
Islamic Republic of Iran will be seeking the victory that eluded them in their previous two matches when they face pacesetters Egypt.
Egypt v IR Iran
Islamic Republic of Iran will be seeking the victory that eluded them in their previous two matches when they face pacesetters Egypt.
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The African side lead the standings with four points, with Iran and Belgium two adrift with New Zealand a further point behind.
A win will take Iran into the knockout stage for the first time in their FIFA World Cup history and head coach Amir Ghalenoei will expect his players to deliver, especially after the battling performances they produced against Belgium and New Zealand.
A win will take Iran into the knockout stage for the first time in their FIFA World Cup history and head coach Amir Ghalenoei will expect his players to deliver, especially after the battling performances they produced against Belgium and New Zealand.
Group H
Cabo Verde v Saudi Arabia
While the 4-0 defeat to Spain was a sobering experience, Saudi Arabia will head into their tie against Cabo Verde knowing that victory will take them into the knockout stage for the first time since their FIFA World Cup debut in 1994.
Cabo Verde v Saudi Arabia
While the 4-0 defeat to Spain was a sobering experience, Saudi Arabia will head into their tie against Cabo Verde knowing that victory will take them into the knockout stage for the first time since their FIFA World Cup debut in 1994.
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The three-time AFC Asian Cup winners could even finish as runners-up should they win and Spain defeat Uruguay.
Cabo Verde, however, will be more than a handful as the African side are enjoying a fairytale debut after holding Spain and Uruguay to draws.
Cabo Verde, however, will be more than a handful as the African side are enjoying a fairytale debut after holding Spain and Uruguay to draws.
Group I
Senegal v Iraq
Despite two defeats, Iraq still have an outside chance of advancing but only victory will do against Senegal.
Senegal v Iraq
Despite two defeats, Iraq still have an outside chance of advancing but only victory will do against Senegal.
The African side are in the same boat, having lost to France and Norway.
Head coach Graham Arnold vowed that his side will fight till the final whistle and his players must live up to the tactician's expectation.
Head coach Graham Arnold vowed that his side will fight till the final whistle and his players must live up to the tactician's expectation.
Group J
Jordan v Argentina
Jordan's debut campaign will end after their clash against defending champions Argentina.
Jordan v Argentina
Jordan's debut campaign will end after their clash against defending champions Argentina.
Defeats against Austria and Algeria mean the third-placed route is also closed to them but Jordan won admirers with fighting performances in both matches.
Up next are Lionel Messi-led Argentina and head coach Jamal Sellami will challenge his players to challenge the three-time world champions and make their exits with heads held high.
Up next are Lionel Messi-led Argentina and head coach Jamal Sellami will challenge his players to challenge the three-time world champions and make their exits with heads held high.
Group K
Congo DR v Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan, also making their debut on the global stage, are in a more fortunate position as the Central Asian side still have a chance to progress despite defeats to Colombia and Portugal.
Congo DR v Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan, also making their debut on the global stage, are in a more fortunate position as the Central Asian side still have a chance to progress despite defeats to Colombia and Portugal.
It has been a steep learning curve for Fabio Cannavaro's side but the Italian tactician said his players can only get better.
He will feel Uzbekistan have a chance to take maximum points against Congo DR and will expect a winning performance from his players.
Photos: FIFA via Getty Images, AFP
He will feel Uzbekistan have a chance to take maximum points against Congo DR and will expect a winning performance from his players.
Photos: FIFA via Getty Images, AFP
