Qatar smash Uzbekistan; Japan edge Bahrain
Qatar has started the 2010 World Cup Qualifying – Stage Four in scintillating fashion with a 3-0 win over Australia’s first up opponent Uzbekistan, while Japan edged Bahrain in a thriller in Manama.
With many predicting Qatar would be the whipping boys of Group A in this final stage, they put everyone else on notice with a commanding performance at the Al Saad Stadium in Doha.
Uzbekistan now head home to Tashkent, now knowing another loss to Australia on Thursday morning (AEST), will put their automatic qualifying place for South Africa in serious jeopardy.
Once Mejdi Seddiq fired the Qataris ahead in the 37th minute there was no looking back for home side, running over a Uzbekistan that appeared to struggle in the heat and humidity.
It was again Sebastian Quintana that provided most of the danger for Qatar, going close on several occasions and setting up the all-important second goal for Majed Mohammed in the 72nd minute.
Talal al-Bloushi capped a magnificent night for the home side with a third goal in the 86th minute, which will do their confidence ahead of Wednesday-s match against Bahrain, no harm at all.
Bahrain find themselves in a similar position to Uzbekistan, but will buoyed by their finish against Japan, despite going down 3-2 in a thrilling finish in Manama.
Japan looked to be cruising to a comfortable 3-0 win, when Kengo Nakamura scored in the 85th minute, but in two goals in a minute from Salman Isa and an own goal by Marcus Tulio Tanaka, almost saw Bahrain pull off an amazing result.
Played in stifling conditions, the Japanese class proved pivotal in the opening half and Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura proved his prowess at the set piece, with a goal from a free kick after 18 minutes.
The killer blow came just a minute before half time when Shunsuke Nakamura-s shot hit Fouzi Aaish's hand and the referee pointed to the spot, with Yasuhito Endo making no mistake with his spot kick.
Kengo Nakamura added a third with five minutes left to play, but Isa was on the spot to pull a goal and then Tanaka headed back pass was misjudged by goalkeeper Narazaki, setting up a tense finish.
In Group B, Saudi Arabia and Iran fought out a 1-1 draw in Riyadh, while DPR Korea came away with a vital three points from the UAE after winning 2-1.
The next round of matches will take place on Wednesday night, including Australia-s opening game against Uzbekistan in Tashkent. The match will kick-off at 1.30am Thursday morning (AEST) and can be seen live and exclusive on Fox Sports.