Overview

• South Korea wrapped up an unbeaten Group B campaign with a 4-0 victory over Kuwait, sealing their 11th consecutive World Cup appearance under coach Hong Myung-bo.
• Japan topped Group C by thrashing Indonesia 6-0 in Osaka, with Daichi Kamada’s brace helping the Samurai Blue finish on a +27 goal difference.
• Australia came from behind to beat Saudi Arabia 2-1 in Jeddah, as Connor Metcalfe and Mitch Duke overturned an early deficit and goalkeeper Mat Ryan saved a late penalty.
• Socceroos coach Tony Popovic maintained his unbeaten record since taking charge in September, guiding Australia to second place behind Japan in Group C.
• With the top two teams from each group auto-qualifying, the six third- and fourth-place sides will enter a playoff round for Asia’s final two tickets to the expanded tournament.