The draw will see Pim Verbeek's side renewing their rivalry with Japan, the side they defeated in their opening game at the 2006 World Cup with the Japanese gaining revenge at last year's Asian Cup.

Australia need to finish in the top two of their group (Group A) to automatically qualify for South Africa 2010.

Group B is made up of South Korea, Iran, Saudi Arabia, North Korea and United Arab Emirates.

The draw means Australia will get their campaign underway on September 10 against Uzbekistan in Tashkent. The Uzbeks got through the first round of qualifying having won all but one game.

The final qualifier will be in June next year in Australia against Japan.
Japan got through Group 2, losing just one match, while Bahrain was second in that group.

Australia will fancy their chances against both Qatar and Bahrain, having beaten both of those teams twice in recent qualifying matches.

Australia defeated Qatar 3-0 and 3-1 in first stage World Cup qualifiers. But the Qataris, coached by Uruguayan Jorge Fossati, got through with a win against Iraq.

Australia have a bye in the first round and after travelling to Uzbekistan, hosts Bahrain on October 15. It's back to Doha in November against Qatar before a break over the New Year period. The Australians travel to Japan in February then host Uzbekistan in early April.

Another Super June looms with an away match against Bahrain to kick things off to be followed by back-to-back home matches against Qatar and Japan.

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