Asian and Caribbean upsets, tight battles in South America and a first-ever win for American Samoa were among the latest qualifying tales as the race for Brazil 2014 heated up.
FIFA.com reviews the latest round of 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying in Asia, which saw the traditional favourites take an advantage over their underdog opponents.
Asia's FIFA World Cup preliminaries have been decided,
with the continent's big five set to start with home fixtures
against the groups' underdogs.
The Asian confederation has produced more than its fair share of joy and drama in FIFA World Cup qualifying down through the years.
With the final four places in the third round of Asian Zone qualifying available, four crucial second round, second legs are set to take place.
Despite some courageous underdog attempts, the favourites all completed aggregate wins to clear the first hurdle in the race to South Africa 2010.
