Looking Ahead: AFC-OFC Playoff

As we've mentioned in other World Cup Qualifying previews, October 10th will be a critical one around the world, as many nations can book their tickets to South Africa, or at least get their foot in the door. Asia and Oceania have finished their respective continental qualifying, with Australia, Japan, North Korea, and South Korea earning spots in South Africa as a result. Now, the two teams left from those continents, Bahrain and 2008 Oceania Nations Cup champions New Zealand, will play in a two-legged playoff to see which one of them advances to the World Cup. The first leg of this tie will be played in Bahraini city of Riffa next Saturday.

Let's take a look at how the two sides have gotten to this point:

Bahrain began its campaign by defeating Malaysia in a two-legged tie by an aggregate score of 4-1. They then advanced out of a group with Japan, Thailand, and Oman as the second place team. They finished with a record of 2-2-2, including a 1-0 home victory over Japan.

With only 10 teams left in Asia, Bahrain was in Group A with Australia, Japan, Qatar, and Uzbekistan. They finished in third place, advancing to the AFC playoff against Saudi Arabia. They were able to advance past the Saudis on away goals after they finished the two-legged playoff tied 2-2.

At home, Bahrain compiled a home record of 4-2-2. Of the four victories, the aforementioned win over Japan was really the only notable result. They dropped one goal decisions to both Australia and Japan in the final round and were able to secure a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia in the AFC playoff. With a population of less than 800,000, Bahrain will be looking to become the smallest country to ever qualify for the World Cup.

New Zealand had a much shorter route to this playoff, needing to play only 6 games to earn their spot. The Kiwis took part in the 2008 OFC Nations Cup (which doubled as World Cup qualifying) against the likes of Vanuatu, Fiji, and New Caledonia. Ryan Nelsen and company waltzed through qualification, winning their first five matches and guaranteeing their place in the AFC-OFC playoff.

The All Whites prepared for this playoff with friendlies and the Confederations Cup. Though the were eliminated in the group stage, they ended the tournament on a high note, as they earned their first point in a FIFA competition. They drew 0-0 with AFC Cup champions Iraq, and some would say they were unlucky to walk away without 3 points. Most recently, New Zealand traveled to Jordan and defeated the hosts by a score of 3-1. With confidence high, the Kiwis will be looking to get an edge in this tie with a good first leg performance. They will be looking to return to the World Cup for the first time since their only appearance in 1982.

So, before you settle down to watch the US take on Honduras, check out the opening leg of this playoff, as one more team looks to close in on its spot in South Africa.