SAITAMA: A first-half penalty from Hiroshi Kiyotake helped Japan to a much-needed 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia in the third round of qualification for the 2018 World Cup at Saitama Stadium on Tuesday.

A handball in the area gave Kiyotake his opportunity in the 45th minute, and Genki Haraguchi added a second for Japan with 11 minutes remaining.

Omar Hawsawi scored for Saudi Arabia with a minute left.

The victory moves Japan level with Saudi Arabia with 10 points after five Group B games and marks the first loss for Saudi Arabia, which still holds the top spot on goal differential.

The top two teams in the two groups will qualify automatically for the World Cup, with the two third-place teams playing to decide which advances to the intercontinental playoffs.

SOUTH KOREA 2, UZBEKISTAN 1

A late goal from Koo Ja-cheol gave South Korea a crucial come-from-behind win over Uzbekistan at Seoul World Cup Stadium.

The Bundesliga midfielder scored with five minutes remaining to put South Korea, aiming for a ninth consecutive World Cup appearance, ahead of Uzbekistan and into second place in Group A behind Iran.

Uzbekistan's Mirat Bikmaev scored from outside the area in the 25th minute, with Nam Tae-hee making it 1-1 midway through the second half.