Asian qualifying is more interesting currently then any other group because of the fact that it is pretty much over and the only games left are for all the marbles. All that remains is a battle for the fifth spot in Asia and the right to square off with New Zealand with the small prize of a ticket to South Africa and a reservation for the big dance. The two teams who don't make it out of this odd three team qualifying will be buying their own tickets to the dance, but not going to be hanging out with the popular kids, stuck on the sideline like that awkward, socially unsure kid that some of us were in high school. Fortunately, I learned to dance early in life, so I never had that pain. Let's find out who else won't have that pain.

First, the teams that already have the comfort of sitting at home and enjoying watching everyone else in the world sweat out qualifying. Both teams that won their respective groups did not lose, and had to be the two favorites entering the final stage of qualifying. Australia dominated group 1, not losing a game and only conceding a single goal on their way to twenty of a maximum twenty four points. The stellar defense that was Australia's signature in Germany 06 looks to have carried over to qualification as the only goal they gave up to Japan in the last game of qualification after both were guaranteed spots. Korea Republic, who were previously known as South Korea, lost no games in group two and cruised to the top spot in their group, albeit not as comfortably as the Australians. Japan took care of business in group 1 to solidify their World Cup spot, only losing to Australia on the last day of qualification in a game where both had already popped the bubbly, and have reminded the world that they are not to be taken lightly on the world stage. Korea DPR was the surprise of qualification, sneaking through an impossibly tight group 2 with a tie on the final day with the Saudis, and benefited greatly from the South Koreans tying an Iranian side that needed a win to qualify. These final day results left Korea DPR and Saudi Arabia tied on 12 points, where Korea DPR went through on goal differential, having a +2 differential to the Saudis 0 differential.

This result left Saudi Arabia to take on Bahrain in a home and away playoff starting Saturday that will give the team left standing a shot to play New Zealand in another home and away tie for that golden ticket. The first match is in Bahrain, which gives the Saudis a considerable advantage. If they can draw or win at Bahrain, they will be able to come home to finish off Bahrain. Considering Saudi Arabia was one of the favorites in group two, and narrowly missed automatic qualification after they did not deliver the goods in their last game, I think they will come in very motivated and take the first playoff relatively easily.

Bahrain 0:1 Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia: 2:1 Bahrain

This leaves a match up in mid October with a return leg in mid November between the Oceanic champions, New Zealand and the Saudis. Saudi Arabia has the joyless task of having to play a second playoff series for their World Cup dreams, and now fortunes are reversed in who gets to host the last game. This New Zealand squad comes in having gotten invaluable experience this summer in the Confederations Cup and has had a lot less wear and tear in qualification, and less pressure in terms of winning two series in a row. Coupled with the home draw for them, and a squeaky clean road performance, I see the Kiwis making the summer holiday to South Africa a permanent summer tradition.

Saudi Arabia 1:1 New Zealand

New Zealand 1:0 Saudi Arabia

New Zealand qualifies for the World Cup.

Do you see qualification going down like this? Think the Saudis will be too much for the Kiwis to handle? Think the Saudis will manage to even see a match up for a spot in the finals?