Tim Cahill scored twice as Australia came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 to finish top of Asian World Cup qualifying Group One.
Both countries had already booked their places in next summer’s tournament and took the opportunity to rest key players.
Japan’s Brazilian-born defender Tulio headed them ahead in the 40th minute to end Australia’s run of seven consecutive clean sheets.
But Cahill struck back on the hour mark to level with a trademark header before volleying the winner with 13 minutes remaining.
The brace takes Cahill’s total to 16 goals in 33 international games, while Australia finished Group One with 20 points.
Meanwhile, South Korea – already qualified for the tournament themselves – finished off their campaign unbeaten after a 1-1 draw with Iran.
Iran, who can now only make South Africa via the play-offs, took the lead through Masoud Shojaei but were pegged with nine minutes remaining.
It was Manchester United’s Park Ji-sung who scored the goal to ensure that South Korea progress having won four and drawn four of their qualifiers.