FIFA.com reviews all the action from Friday’s abbreviated AFC Asian Cup matchday with Bahrain and United Arab Emirates the big winners, as 2011 semi-finalists Uzbekistan were undone on the road.
Group E in Asian qualifying is likely to be a battle for first place between Iran and Qatar, while much-changed Bahrain and Indonesia face a tough challenge to reach the final round of qualifiers.
Korea Republic made a winning start to the AFC Asian Cup by beating Bahrain 2-1 today, Koo Ja-Cheol's two goals proving enough despite Fouzi Aaish converting a late penalty for their opponents.
Australia and Korea Republic made amends for their sluggish starts to the AFC Asian Cup four years ago, as they defeated India and Bahrain respectively in their Group C opener on Monday.
Australia moved within a whisker of a place in South Africa, while United Arab Emirates were officially eliminated from contention in Asia.
Fouzi Aaish scored the only goal as Bahrain improved their qualification hopes with a defeat of Qatar, and ensured Australia still have work to do.
2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™
