June 09, 2008	Monday	Jamadi-us-Sani 04, 1429

BANGKOK, June 8: Uzbekistan became the first team to reach the fourth and final round of Asian World Cup qualifying on Saturday while heavyweights Iran and Iraq rekindled their hopes with vital wins.

Substitute Alexander Geynrikh netted 10 minutes from time to give the Uzbeks a 1-0 win over Singapore and Saudi Arabia beat Lebanon 2-1 to move within a point of the next round.

Bahrain dropped points for the first time, held 1-1 by Thailand, who deprived them of their chance to join the Uzbeks.

The Gulf side need only one draw from their last two games to advance.

Iran and Iraq secured decisive 1-0 wins over the UAE and Australia respectively to breathe life into their South Africa 2010 campaigns but China’s hopes took a major dent when they lost 1-0 to Qatar.

A coolly taken spot-kick by Uruguayan-born Sebastian Quintana after 14 minutes left the goal-shy Chinese in third place with a mountain to climb in their remaining two matches.

South Korea clung on to their narrow Group 3 lead with a 1-0 victory over Jordan and In Group 2, recent World Cup regulars Japan salvaged a 1-1 draw with Oman to stay second.

Redhar Tukar struck in the 47th and 60th minutes to help Saudi Arabia sink winless Lebanon, who pulled one back in stoppage time. The Saudis need only a draw to advance.

Iran got themselves out of trouble when Ferydoon Zandi netted after eight minutes and a superbly taken goal from Emad Rida gave Asian Cup holders Iraq a crucial win over Australia in their must-win match in Dubai.

Rida’s curling effort on 28 minutes dipped over the head of Socceroos’ goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer into the top of the net to move the Iraqis to four points behind Australia and Qatar, who both have seven points.

Choe Kum-chol struck in the 72nd minute to lift North Korea to a 1-0 win over Turkmenistan to hold on to second place in their group, trailing fierce foes South Korea on goal difference.

Yasuhito Endo’s equaliser eight minutes after the break and a vital penalty save from Seigo Narazaki spared Japan’s blushes in another unconvincing performance.

The top two teams in the five groups will advance to round four to compete for the four available World Cup places. One more is up for grabs in an inter-confederation playoff.—Reuters