http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/foot...ls/4092042.stm
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 Mark Viduka's chances of playing in the World Cup have improved
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Australia's 2010 World Cup hopes have received a lift after Fifa said they could enter the Asian qualifying round.
They currently compete in the Oceania group, with no automatic qualifying place, and have to play off against a South America team to reach the finals.
"So long as the Oceania and Asia associations are happy, there are no laws to prevent such a solution," said Fifa president Sepp Blatter.
Australia have only once reached the World Cup finals - in 1974. If they want to qualify for the 2006 finals in Germany, Australia have to beat the Solomon Islands home and away and then win a play-off against the fifth-placed South American team, which is currently undecided.
By joining the Asian qualifying group for 2010, Australia will be competing with 44 other countries for a maximum of five spots at the tournament in South Africa.
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Any bets Blatter will change his mind again though.