Uzbekistan stormed into the last 10 of Asian World Cup qualifying, but a shock loss for Australia and Bahrain’s unexpected draw with Thailand mean they missed golden opportunities to join them.
Uzbekistan’s 1-0 win over Singapore in Tashkent made them the only team through to the final phase of qualifying, which starts in September as Asian sides chase four automatic berths to the finals in South Africa in 2010.
Second-half substitute Alexander Geynrikh was their hero after he netted the game’s only goal in the 81st minute, maintaining their perfect record in Group 4.
“It was a tough match and we were lucky to win this time,” said Uzbekistan coach Rauf Inileev, whose team hammered Singapore 7-3 last week. “Singapore played attacking football in the first match, but they totally changed their tactics and played a defensive game which made them very difficult to break down.”
A win for Australia would have ensured they progressed, but Iraq proved the better team in hot and humid Dubai, with a magical effort from Emad Mohamed from 30m giving them a crucial 1-0 win.
With Qatar beating China by the same score in Tianjin, Group 1 remains wide open with two games to play. The Socceroos top the group on seven points, ahead of Qatar on goal difference. Iraq have four and China three.
Australia coach Pim Verbeek was not too despondent though.
“We went into the game with an aim to get a draw and we put in a good performance,” he said. “We did our best to score and we created several chances, but we were unlucky. Despite the defeat, we are still in a good position and we will go to Qatar for our next match aiming to get a win.”
Bahrain also blew a great chance against Thailand in Manama. The Thais had lost all three previous games, but scraped a 1-1 draw.
Coach Milan Macala admitted he was disappointed with the result.
“We needed a win and I told the players before the game that we must fight for a result because Thailand are not an easy team to play against,” the burly Czech said. “But the game is now over and the next two matches are very important for us as we want to secure our place in the final round of the qualifiers and qualify for the World Cup.”
Hardworking Thonglao Datsakorn put the visitors ahead in the 65th minute with a fine long-ranger, while Salman Isa equalized two minutes later to keep Bahrain at the top of Group 2 with 10 points.
Japan drew with Oman 1-1 to leave them second on seven points and Oman third with four. Japan needed a 53rd minute strike from Yasuhito Endo to cancel out Ahmed Mubarak’s goal after 11 minutes.
North Korea and South Korea both took giant strides towards joining Uzbekistan, with North Korea beating Turkmenistan 1-0 and South Korea defeating Jordan, also 1-0.
It puts both of them on eight points in Group 3, with Jordan on four and Turkmenistan on one, drawing a close to their campaign.
Choe Kum-chul scored the only goal for North Korea in Pyongyang, while a Park Chu-young penalty was enough for South Korea in Amman.
Like Turkmenistan, Lebanon’s World Cup dream is over after losing 2-1 to Saudi Arabia, who moved a step closer to their fifth World Cup finals.
The Saudis have nine points to Singapore’s three and Lebanon’s one.
Iran moved top of their group with a precious 1-0 win against the United Arab Emirates. It leaves them on six points, one ahead of Syria and UAE.
Ferydoon Zandi grabbed the only goal of the game for Iran.
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