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.
In Group 3 of the third round of Asian qualifying for South Africa, both Koreas advanced to the next stage, drawing 0-0 in a historic encounter.
Qatar are through to the final round of Asian qualifying
after defeating Iraq in Dubai, while UAE advanced despite losing
3-1 to Syria.
The focus in Asia will be on the battle between four sides - Iraq, Qatar in Dubai, UAE and Syria - for two places in the next round of qualifiers.
Korea DPR, Korea Republic, Bahrain, Japan, Australia, Iran and Saudi Arabia booked a place in the next phase of qualifying for South Africa 2010.
