JORDAN'S upset win over Japan has thrown a spanner in the works of Australia's World Cup qualification campaign.

Goalkeeper Amer Sabbah saved a late penalty to keep the score at 2-1 and earn Jordan a surprise success over the previously unbeaten Japanese.

The Blue Samurai still tops Group B and requires only a draw to become the first team from the Asian qualifying groups to join hosts Brazil in next year's World Cup.

Jordan took the lead on the stroke of half-time and doubled the lead with a breakaway goal.

But Manchester United's Shinji Kagawa pulled one back, and then earned a penalty just a minute later.

But goalkeeper Sabbah kept out Yasuhito Endo's spot-kick to earn Jordan the points to move into second in the group, a point clear of the Socceroos.

After the dismal 2-2 draw with Oman, Holger Osieck's men must get at least a draw in Japan - their next game - and then secure home wins against Jordan and Iraq.

The top two teams in the group qualify for Brazil, with the third-placed team heading into a playoff.