Japan defeated Syria 2-1 in Group C to retain an 100 per cent record with a late winner from Borussia Moenchengladbach's Yuki Otsu meaning that victory against the same opponents in their next game in February will ensure their place at London 2012.

Bahrain retained a slender chance of qualifying for London with a 3-2 win at Malaysia, who seem to be out of contention having failed to pick up a point to date.

The South Koreans are also close to qualifying after beating Saudi Arabia 1-0 to move three points clear of Oman in Group A.

Depending on the result of Oman's clash with Qatar, South Korea could qualify for next year's Olympics with another win against the Saudis.

In Group B, all four teams are still in contention to make it to London, after Iraq beat the United Arab Emirates 2-0 to move into second place on four points, just behind Uzbekistan.

The Uzbeks drew 0-0 with Australia, on three points, whilst the United Arab Emirates are on two points and remain very much in the hunt for an Olympics place.

The winners of the three groups will all progress to the Games, whilst the three runners-up will play a final qualifying tournament in Malaysia next year for the right to face an African side in Coventry for the final spot in London.

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