The AFC second group phase concluded on TUE 05 SEP 2017 with drama both early and late.

• Uzbekistan 00-00 Korea Rep: The Taeguk Warriors struck the woodwork three times, and the White Wolves once, but nobody was able to find the back of the net. Korea Rep qualify for the tenth successive time, but the draw appeared to be enough to get Uzbekistan into the playoff...
• Iran 02-02 Syria: ...until a dramatic finish in Tehran. Sardar AZMOUN had scored twice to put Team Melli ahead 2-1. But deep into stoppage time, Omar AL SOMA finished off an inch perfect pass from Mardik MARDIKIAN, sparking wild celebrations on the Syria bench. The Qasioun Eagles pip the Uzbeks to third place in Group A and are four matches away from a first ever Men’s World Cup appearance.
• Australia 02-01 Thailand: Pokklaw ANAN scored an equaliser for the Elephants in the 82nd minute after Tomi JURIC opened the scoring earlier in the half. But just four minutes later, Mathew LECKIE secured the three points for the Socceroos, keeping them in the hunt for automatic qualification from Group B...
• Saudi Arabia 01-00 Japan: ...but they will now have to go through Syria. A blazing shot from Fahad AL MUWALLAD found the top corner midway through the second half, and the Green Falcons held on to reach Russia after missing out on the last two tournaments.
• Qualified: Iran, Japan, Korea Rep, Saudi Arabia
• AFC playoff: Syria-Australia
• Eliminated: China PR, Iraq, Qatar, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan