South Korea, Australia close in on World Cup spots

12 June,2013 12:52 AM IST |   |  AFP

South Korea edged a tense encounter against Uzbekistan and Australia finally hit form with a 4-0 win over Jordan as the regional giants took big strides towards next year's World Cup yesterday.


South Korea's 1-0 victory, courtesy of a first-half own goal, put them three points clear in Group A with a game to go, and will be enough to book their ticket to Brazil if Lebanon manage to shock mighty Iran later.


South Korea defender Kim Young-Gwon (left) celebrates with teammate Kim Shin-Wook after an Uzbek player scored an own goal. PIC/AFP

Meanwhile Australia eased their jitters after a lacklustre campaign with a win which leaves them in Group B's second automatic qualifying spot ahead of their final game at home to Iraq next week.

Australia's coach Holger Osieck said: "You can never dream of a score like 4-0 but I think the overall performance was excellent. We have to focus on the next game."u00a0

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