Kuwait pulled off a shock by pipping China to top spot in Group Four on goals scored following the final round of World Cup qualifiers.
Both nations finished on 15 points but Kuwait qualify by virtue of scoring 15 goals to China’s 14, following their 6-1 win over Malaysia.
China’s 7-0 thrashing of Hong Kong proved to be in vain.
Japan ended the second stage of the Asian 2006 World Cup qualifiers with a 100 percent record after beating Singapore 1-0 in Saitama. The result was academic as Zico’s team had already booked their spot in the decisive qualifying round after winning their opening five games in Group Three.
A Mirdjalal Kasimov hat-trick ensured Uzbekistan celebrated their qualification in style as they crushed Chinese Taipei 6-1 at home.
Uzbekistan had already clinched top spot in Group Two and a devastating first half display put the visitors to the sword.
South Korea booked their place in the next round after securing top spot in Group Seven courtesy of a 2-0 win over Maldives.
Results
Group Two
Uzbekistan 6-1 Chinese Tapei
Group Three
Japan 1-0 Singapore
Group Four
China 7-0 Hong Kong
Kuwait 6-1 Malaysia
Group Five
Thailand 1-1 Yemen
United Arab Emirates 1-0 North Korea
Group Seven
South Korea 2-0 Maldives
Group Eight
Indonesia 3-1 Turkmenistan
