Uzbekistan, Qatar move on

The results meant Uzbekistan finished Group A on seven points from three matches, one ahead of Qatar with China third on four and Kuwait last with none.

Nearly 30,000 expectant fans turned out at the Khalifa Stadium hopeful that Qatar could match their tournament best performance of a quarter-final place achieved 11 years ago.

Their nerves were eased after just 11 minutes when captain Bilal Mohammed rose to confidently flick a header past Yaqoub Al Taher in the Kuwait goal.

The hosts then doubled their advantage just five minutes later when Mohamed El Sayed curled a right-foot shot past Al Taher, who was out of position having blocked the winger's initial header.

Confetti rained down at the stadium as Qatar bossed the remainder of the match against a deflated Kuwait side, who could have qualified for the last eight if they won and other results went their way.

Substitute Fabio Cesar curled a late 20-metre free-kick up and over the wall in to the top corner of Al Taher's goal to add gloss to the easy victory.

"We are very satisfied and happy with this qualification. For us, the Asian Cup starts now. It transfers from a mere accumulation of points to aiming for the trophy," Qatar's French coach Bruno Metsu said.

"We have accomplished our task but our ambitions extend beyond that and it will be a great thing for all fans and players."

At the Al Gharafa Stadium, group leaders Uzbekistan fell behind after just six minutes in their bid to reach the last eight for a third consecutive Asian championships.

China midfielder Yu Hai stooped low to head home after a well-worked corner, although Uzbek keeper Ignatiy Nesterov will feel he should have done better.

The Uzbeks struck back with a goal from marauding centre-half Odil Akhmedov who slotted home an equaliser on the half-hour mark after another neat passing move.

The Uzbeks took the lead straight after halftime when striker Alexander Geynrikh fired home from 23 metres but Hao Junmin hauled China level in the 56th minute with a free-kick to set up a nervy finale.

"The defensive play was not too good with too many mistakes," Uzbek coach Vadim Abramov said.