DOHA — China's bid to qualify for the 2018 World Cup suffered a crushing blow after it was outclassed 2-0 by Uzbekistan in a crucial Group A Asian qualifier Tuesday.
The Chinese, who have invested heavily in football and also plan to bid for the 2030 World Cup, came apart in Tashkent with Uzbekistan scoring twice in the second half through Marat Bikaev and Otabek Shukurov.
Tuesday's victory put the Uzbeks in command of their group with three wins from four matches, while China languishes in fifth place with only a point to show for its efforts so far.
The Central Asians, who have never featured in the quadrennial sporting showpiece, raised their game in the second half and opened their account through Bikmaev in the 50th minute, the Lokomotiv Tashkent forward blasting the ball home after playmaker Eldor Shomurodov had split the Chinese defense with a brilliant pass.
The Uzbeks dictated the game thereon and came close to scoring again moments later, but Igor Sergeev's shot crashed back off the post.
But with five minutes remaining, the host wrapped up its much deserved three points after substitute Shukurov's speculative effort took a lucky deflection off Zhang Chengdong and rolled into the net.
Uzbekistan could have boosted its tally in injury time only for Jaloliddin Masharipov's shot to ricochet off the post, but the host was not complaining as it established itself as genuine contender for a Russia 2018 spot.
China coach Gao Hongbo resigned after the match. "I would like to thank the players and the fans for supporting me," Gao said. "I think it is time to step down."
Earlier in Melbourne, Australia came from behind through a Mile Jedinak penalty to grab a 1-1 draw against Japan to remain unbeaten in Group B.
The Blue Samurai rocked the Socceroos with a fifth-minute goal from midfielder Genki Haraguchi but skipper Jedinak retrieved a point in a tense game with his spot kick.
"We regrouped at halftime and we were told to have a reaction. There looked like only one team winning the game, it was unfortunate we didn't get that second goal," said Jedinak.
Japan struck early after defender Trent Sainsbury gave away possession and Keisuke Honda released Haraguchi to advance on the Australian goal.
Haraguchi slid the ball through the legs of the advancing Matt Ryan to give the Blue Samurai the shock early lead.
But Australia grabbed a lifeline shortly after the resumption when Haraguchi brought down Tomi Juric for a penalty which skipper Jedinak rammed home to equalize.
Also in Group B, Iraq notched its first win, 4-0 over Thailand, with Mohannad Abdulraheem stealing the show by scoring all four goals.
Abdulraheem struck twice in each half against the hapless Thais but having suffered defeats against Japan, Australia and Saudi Arabia earlier, the Iraqis will need a miracle to make it to Russia.
Iran's Sardar Azmoun grabbed the only goal as it stayed top of Group A with a 1-0 win over South Korea. Qatar, meanwhile, beat Syria 1-0.
In other early matches Laos drew 1-1 with Maldives and Taiwan downed East Timor 2-1.
