AFC Round Three: Group D Standings

Originally thought to be the clearest group to predict, group D is now suddenly wide open.

Group D

1. Australia 6 pts, +3 GD
2. Thailand 3 pts, +2 GD
3. Saudi Arabia 1 pt, -2 GD
4. Oman 1 pt, -3 GD

The Aussies opened its qualifying campaign with a slow 45 minutes, falling behind 1-0 to underdogs Thailand. Since then, they have staked their claim as the best side in Asia.

Two second half goals spared Australia's blushes against Thailand. In the second match, Australia traveled all the way to Saudi Arabia and ripped the Saudi's apart, winning 3-1.

A win at home versus Oman in the next fixture should put Australia solidly in first place, which is the expected result of that match.

The most surprising team in Asia this round so far is Thailand. They took a shock lead in Australia, before falling 2-1. However, it was a brilliant performance from Thailand who really could have escaped with a point.

They then dominated Oman 3-0 in the second match, which puts them in second place and with a renewed sense of confidence of advancing. Teerasil Dangda tallied a goal in each match so far.

Thailand's next match is absolutely crucial to its hopes of progressing. They host Saudi Arabia in a game that could determine where each side finishes. As a warmup, Thailand will host Jordan Oct. 6th.

Fortunately for Thailand, Saudi Arabia is in horrible form at the moment. They drew 0-0 in Oman before getting crushed at home 3-1 by Australia.

Frank Rijkaard has not been able to get his side to mesh so far, and needs to solve their problems quickly or else the Saudis could fall short of advancing.

As preparation for the huge match in Thailand, Saudi Arabia will travel to Indonesia for a friendly a few days before. Rijkaard's job may even be in danger if the side cannot obtain a result.

Lowly Oman sits bottom of the table in group D. However, advancing is not out of the question, but Oman needs to start scoring.

They have picked up a point thanks to its 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia, but its 3-0 defeat to Thailand was very disappointing. They will have to get a shock win in Australia in order to climb back into the thick of things, something that seems highly unlikely.