At the last World Cup in Russia, there was a single goalless draw, when Denmark and France failed to produce goals in a group phase clash.
Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni was left to rue a profligate forward line as the Blue Samurai blew a chance to become the first team to qualify for the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil.
Lebanon produced a stunning performance to beat South Korea 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday to keep their fairytale campaign going, while Alberto Zaccheroni's unbeaten run as Japan coach ended in North Korea with a 1-0 defeat.
Juventus continued their awful run with a 1-1 Serie A draw at modest Livorno on Saturday, leaving the famous Turin club three points adrift of the fourth Champions League qualifying spot.
AC Milan coach Leonardo and Juventus counterpart Alberto Zaccheroni bid farewell in contrasting fashions on Saturday when the Brazilian's side eased to a 3-0 win in their final league game of the season.
Roberto Mancini moved a step closer to becoming coach of Inter Milan on Tuesday, when Serie A rivals Lazio released him from his contract.
Goals from David Trezeguet and Pavel Nedved gave them a 2-0 win at Modena on Saturday.
Boualem Khoukhi's early strike and an eighth goal of the tournament from striker Almoez Ali gave Qatar a 2-0 halftime lead with Hassan Al-Haydos and Hamid Ismail completing the rout in the last 10 minutes.
Australia made the worst possible start to the defence of their Asian Cup crown on Sunday as Graham Arnold's Socceroos were handed a 1-0 defeat by unfancied Jordan.
Clubbed in a veritable group of death for next year's World Cup, Australia believe they can spring a surprise while fellow Asian qualifiers Japan, South Korea and Iran were more cautious with their optimism despite being dealt kinder draws.
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field
Keisuke Honda announced his retirement from international football following Japan's elimination from the World Cup at the hands of Belgium on Monday night.
Luis Suarez returned for Uruguay for the first time since his infamous World Cup biting incident and scored in a 1-1 friendly draw against Saudi Arabia.
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