Bahrain missed an opportunity to seal a World Cup qualifying play-off berth after they were outclassed by Australia.

With Qatar only drawing in Japan, a point would have secured the Gulf nation a play-off against the third-placed team in Group B with the winners meeting New Zealand for a trip to South Africa next summer.

Second-half goals by Mile Sterjovski and David Carney put paid to that notion, however, as Pim Verbeek's side maintained their unbeaten record in the final round and are yet to concede a goal in their seven matches.

Bahrain now need a draw against Uzbekistan next week to clinch third, while a win for the visitors will see them dramatically grab the play-off slot.

Australia largely dominated a low-key first-half with Scott McDonald wasting the best opportunity after 26 minutes.

Brett Holman sent the Celtic striker clear with a delightful ball but McDonald blasted over from 12 yards with the goal at his mercy.

Sterjovski weakly headed Carney's cross straight at keeper Sayad Mohamed after 38 minutes before Salman Isa fashioned some space inside the box just before the break and keeper Mark Schwarzer was relieved to see his shot fly narrowly over.

Sterjovski brought the encounter to life after 55 minutes when Harry Kewell steered Carney's long ball into the box first-time and after midfielder Aaish Fouzi failed to clear, the midfielder took full advantage to open the scoring.

Abdulla Marzooqi's header was ruled out for offside six minutes later as Bahrain searched for an equaliser before Carney made sure of the result two minutes from time.

Jason Culina's overhead kick unluckily came back off the post but Carney was on hand to slot home the rebound.