Rivals might have to settle for a point in key clash

World Cup qualifier
10am
After just three matches of the final round of Asia’s World Cup qualifying competition, Group B looks to be developing into a four-horse race and Australia and Japan are at the heart of the battle for a spot in the 2018 showpiece.

The four teams at the top of the six-team group are separated by just a point. The Socceroos are joined at the top by Saudi Arabia while the UAE and Japan occupy the third and fourth-placed spots.

It’s still early days in Group B but the outcome of today’s clash at Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium is likely to prove significant in the race to Russia and the Aussies are 6-4 favourites to grab three points.