Second-half goals from Josh Kennedy and Harry Kewell sealed an easy victory for the Socceroos, who took over the group's summit from Japan.

Australia are now top with 13 points, two more than Japan, as the duo are almost ensured of a place in South Africa.

Elsewhere in Group 2, South Korea snatched a 1-0 victory over neighbors North Korea, courtesy of an free-kick from Kim Chi-woo two minutes from time.

South Korea lead the group with 11 points, one ahead of their close rivals, who played a game more. Saudi Arabia are third with seven points.

In the same group, Ahli's Hussein Yasser couldn't prevent Qatar from losing to Bahrain despite coming on as an 85th minute substitute.

Fawzi Mubarak Ayash scored the only goal of the game on 53 minutes.

While the defeat leaves Qatar bottom of the group with four points, Bahrain are now third on seven points.