The United Arab Emirates shock win over Japan has opened up Australias World Cup qualifying group and reinforced the challenge awaiting the Socceroos in Abu Dhabi.The UAE recorded a historic 2-1 win, coming from behind to beat the Asian heavyweights after star man Ahmed Khalil scored with a free kick and penalty either side of half-time to overcome Keisuke Hondas early header.Asano Takuma might have snatched a point for the hosts, but officials failed to spot his header had crossed the line.The scale of the win is made clear by Australias record in Japan.Australia have never triumphed in seven matches against their Asian arch-rivals, recording three losses and four draws.The Socceroos play the UAE on Tuesday night (early Wednesday AEST), with the winner set to be Group Bs early pacesetter.The result sent shockwaves across the continent but Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou said he wasnt surprised.I said it at the draw, weve got the tougher group for sure, he said.Teams are going to be taking points off each other, theres no games that are going to be givens. Theyre a good side.Australia are top of the group after their 2-0 success over Iraq, with Saudi Arabia also joining the opening night winners list after a late penalty brought a 1-0 defeat of Thailand.The top two sides in the six-team group are guaranteed a place at the 2018 World Cup, with the third-placed nation pitched into a play-off.AUSTRALIAS WORLD CUP QUALIFYING GROUP RESULTSAustralia bt Iraq 2-0United Arab Emirates bt Japan 2-1Saudi Arabia bt Thailand 1-0TABLE AFTER ONE MATCH1. Australia - 3 points, +2 goal difference2. United Arab Emirates - 3 points, +1 goal difference3. Saudi Arabia - 3 points, +1 goal difference4. Japan - 0 points, -1 goal difference5. Thailand - 0 points, -1 goal difference6. Iraq - 0 points, -2 goal differenceZhaire Smith Jersey .Y. - Nelson Mandela will be honoured by the New York Yankees with a plaque in Monument Park. Dana Barros 76ers Jersey . 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Thats not a comment on the suspension that banished the Portland Winterhawks general manager and coach from his Western Hockey League teams bench for most of the 2012-13 season.This story is part of ESPN The Magazines Oct. 31 NBA Preview Issue. Subscribe today!Oakland AthleticsOverall: 115 Title track: 79 Ownership: 122 Coaching: 63 Players: 75 Fan relations: 110 Affordability: 34 Stadium experience: 122 Bang for the buck: 80 Change from last year: -15Is this the worst franchise in baseball, as the voters felt? Its easy to see the bad when the 60s-era stadium is on blast practically daily in the media. Then the team is just five wins from the worst record in baseball. But theres some good news in there somewhere.Whats goodWait, is there something good about this franchise right now? Honestly, its the players, even though their ranking fell to 75th. There were some finds this year, as Marcus Semien, Ryon Healy and Khris Davis could form a formidable group in the lineup next year. Young pitchers Jharel Cotton and Sean Manaea -- acquired in classic, veteran-dumping Billy Beane trades -- provide hope that the rotation can be a strength again. Win or lose, at least going to an As game is cheap (34th in affordability), and the bang for the buck potential is strong, even if the return for your buck, at the moment, is devalued (80th overall and down 41 spots).Whats badWhats not? Lew Wolff -- the worst owner in sports in a repeat performance -- has been at odds with practically everyone as he has tried to railroad his way to a new ballpark for the Athletics.dddddddddddd. To be fair, that current ballpark also ranks worst in these standings, so hes right to try to improve it. At the Coliseum, the food is terrible, the craft beer selections are mediocre, and the concourse is cramped, cement and bunker-like. In the meantime, Wolff has spent less on the players on his team than anyone else the past five years, and that has led to a gradual downturn in on-field product. There is only so much Beane can do.Whats newThere might be movement on a new ballpark! Maybe. The players are showing signs of promise. Those are the things that might move the needle in next years standings. But right now, all we see are empty parking lots -- even on free parking Tuesday! -- that lead to empty seats and, until the youth turns this team around, a worsening record that throws shade on the players (down 38 spots) and the coaching staff (down 24).Full rankings ' ' '