In the action around the AFC second group phase on TUE 29-THU 31 AUG 2017, Japan march on, but there is still little clarity behind the group leaders.

• United Arab Emirates 02-01 Saudi Arabia: The UAE kept their hopes of reaching the playoff alive as Ali MABKHOUT and Ahmed KHALIL found net...
• Japan 02-00 Australia: ...but the Samurai Blue claim top spot in Group B. Goals from Takuma ASANO and Yosuke IDEGUCHI earned a sixth consecutive qualification for Japan. Australia still look to be favourites for the group’s other automatic place: a win against Thailand on Tuesday coupled with at least a point for Japan against Saudi Arabia will see the Socceroos on to Russia.
• China PR 01-00 Uzbekistan: China PR were minutes away from elimination, but in the 84th minute, FENG Xiaoting was brought down in the area by Anzur ISMAILOV. GAO Lin converted the penalty, and the Chinese squad remain in the hunt for Group A’s playoff place. They would need to defeat Qatar on Tuesday and get help from Iran and Korea Rep.
• Qualified this matchday: Japan
• Eliminated this matchday: Qatar