The international break is back, meaning that all of Europe's major leagues are on hiatus. Football fans don't have to fret, however, as there will be plenty of football to keep them occupied over the next week.
Over in Asia, the battle for who will be representing the AFC in Russia next year is heating up. Iran are the only side with a definite ticket, and that means that there are only three more automatic spots remaining. In theory, five teams from Asia could feature, but the fifth side will have to compete in a tricky inter-continental play-off against a team from CONCACAF.
Here's the info you need to tune into the key fixtures taking place on matchday nine:
Aug. 31: Japan vs. Australia at 06:35 EST/19:35 JST/20:35 AEST
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Aug. 31: Korea vs. Iran at 08:00 EST/16:30 IRDT/21:00 KST
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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Here's a look at how things are shaping up ahead of the last two games:
Group A - South Korea hoping to clinch last automatic spot
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Iran have impressed so far and have thus deservedly earned their spot at what will be their fifth World Cup next year. That means that second place looks set to be decided between South Korea and surprisingly, Uzbekistan. Despite the ongoing conflict that is unfortunately tearing their country apart, Syria are still giving their people something to cheer about as the team is still within some distance of potentially earning a runners-up spot, albeit it's quite a long shot for them.
South Korea were viewed as the heavy favorites to make it through their group without much fuss, but they have struggled to impress, and arguably the game not to miss from this group will be South Korea vs Iran. It goes without saying that is a must win for the Taegeuk Warriors, as a loss for them and a win for Uzbekistan will see them slip into third.
Third doesn't mean their World Cup hopes are dashed, but it does mean they now have to go into a play-off, followed by yet another play-off, this time against a representative from CONCACAF. Furthermore, a win against Iran will help take some major pressure off South Korea, as their final group stage game pits them against Uzbekistan, who are just one point behind in the table.
Group B - Japan lead the way...but things are still quite open
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The crunch clash in Group B will definitely be none other than Japan vs Australia. As one can see from this group, the Samurai Blue lead the way and are in pole position to secure the top spot. Should they beat the Socceroos, they will move to 20 points, which will leave them four clear of Saudi Arabia and would definitely guarantee that they will finish top of their group - regardless of whatever happens on matchday 10. It will then be a battle between Australia and Saudi Arabia to see who can finish as runners-up and gain the second automatic ticket to Russia next year.
However, if Australia defeat Japan, they will move to 19 points. This will, of course, see them top the group, but will not be enough to necessarily see them qualify as outright winners. At the very least, though, the Socceroos will put themselves in a very good position to earn an automatic spot at next year's tournament, as on the final matchday they take on an already-eliminated Thailand in a game that really should represent a pretty straightforward three points.
Finally, if Japan and Australia play to a draw, that means that things will not be decided until the final matchday. Japan will take on Saudi Arabia in a pretty much must-win game as they will have 18 points, whilst Saudi Arabia will have 16. Australia will have 17 and as noted before, will likely earn all three points against Thailand. Whilst a draw will be enough to see Japan through, they can't afford to lose to the Saudis, who have had a surprisingly good campaign so far.
Last, but certainly not least, here's the remaining fixtures taking place on matchday nine:
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
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This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
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