South Korea have scraped through to the final round of Asian qualifying for the 2014 World Cup by beating Kuwait 2-0.

Needing at least a draw to avoid a surprise elimination, South Korea’s nerves were on edge until Lee Dong-gook fired the hosts in front in the 66th minute, before Lee Keun-ho doubled the advantage in the 72nd.

Wednesday’s result meant South Korea topped Group B ahead of Lebanon, which also progressed despite losing 4-2 at the United Arab Emirates.

Kuwait was eliminated in third place, two points behind Lebanon.

Socceroos coach Holger Osieck said there had been numerous players in unfamiliar positions and it showed in the first half, but the second period was very encouraging.

“We really got our stuff together, we played excellent football, we played the football that I would like to see from the 60th minute on,” he said.

“It was a lot of imagination, creativity, we played the ball into the channel, there was a lot of mobility and movement and pace.

“That is basically the football that I want to see.”

Saudi coach Frank Rijkaard said his players started well, but became fatigued later in the match and might have also succumbed to the pressure of the situation.

“The equaliser for us was like it was demoralising the team, we had less confidence and couldn’t keep on playing like we wanted,” he said.