Hamburg - Australia moved top of Asian World Cup qualifying Group 1 courtesy of a 2-0 victory over Uzbekistan in Sydney Wednesday to all but book their place at the 2010 finals in South Africa.

Substitute Joshua Kennedy put the home side in front on 66 minutes and a Harry Kewell penalty seven minutes later made the game safe after Richard Garcia was fouled in the area by Ansur Ismailov.

The win moves the Socceroos on to 13 points from five games, two clear of Japan and nine ahead of Bahrain and Qatar, who were due to meet later Wednesday knowing that if the match finishes in a draw, Australia will become the first country to have secured its World Cup place.

In Group 2 matches set for later in the day, South Korea played North Korea while Saudi Arabia entertained the United Arab Emirates. (dpa)