Goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov made a trio of second-half saves to ensure the Uzbeks picked up the point required to secure progress from Asian Group A alongside Iran, who have already qualified.

Earlier, China were eliminated from 2026 World Cup qualification after a 1-0 loss to Indonesia in Jakarta.

A first-half penalty from Ole Romeny was enough to keep China, whose sole appearance was in 2002, last in Group C with just one game remaining.

Indonesia, coached by Patrick Kluivert, took the lead just before the break when Romeny converted from the penalty spot.

Elsewhere in the group, a last-minute goal from Aziz Behich gave Australia a 1-0 win over Japan in Perth to put the Socceroos within touching distance of a sixth straight World Cup appearance.

Australia can qualify for their sixth successive World Cup later Thursday if Saudi Arabia, next week’s final group opponent, fails to win in Bahrain.

The already-qualified Japan fielded an experimental XI with only Daichi Kamada and Koki Machida having made more than four international appearances, but still had the majority of possession and chances.

Substitute Takefusa Kubo had perhaps the best opportunity with 10 minutes remaining, but the midfielder shot wide of the post from inside the area.

In the 90th minute, Riley McGree broke free down the right and pulled back for Behich to curl home to bring Perth Stadium to its feet and give Australia their first win over Japan in 16 years.

“It hasn’t sunk in just yet but when the final whistle went it was a great feeling,” Behich said. “It was a tough game and we had to grind it out. It’s been a long campaign and we have worked so hard.”

The teams who finish third and fourth in the three groups in this third round of Asian qualifying will advance to a fourth stage to compete for the remaining two Asian places at the World Cup.

The win has reignited the Pharaohs’ hopes of reaching the quarter-finals.

The all-important goal came from Ahmed Nabil Koka, whose strike proved to be the difference between the two sides.

This crucial win has propelled Egypt to second place in Group C, setting up a tantalising clash with group leaders Spain in their final group stage match.

Egypt’s performance showed marked improvement from their opening day draw against the Dominican Republic. The team displayed more cohesion and attacking intent, with Koka’s goal the reward for their improved play.

Meanwhile, in the group’s other match, Spain secured their place in the quarter-finals with a convincing win over the Dominican Republic at the Stade de Bordeaux on Saturday.

This result means the upcoming Spain-Egypt clash will be pivotal in determining who joins the Spaniards in the knockout stages.

For Uzbekistan, this defeat leaves their Olympic dreams hanging by a thread. They will need a significant turnaround in fortunes in their final group game if they are to have any chance of progressing.

The incident, which has generated public outcry, reportedly occurred at their wedding party in Uzbekistan.

In the video, the newly-wedded couple was spotted engaging in a game to the amusement of their families and several guests present.

The bride, who donned a sparkly gown exuded much energy and zeal in her bid to finish first and impress her guests.

Upon completion of the task, she raised one arm to alert the person in charge while a woman believed to be her maid of honour clapped and cheered her on.

However, the groom who felt his ego had been bruised violently raised his hand and hit his wife to the shock of all present.

Without showing any remorse while he maintained a stern face, his bride walked off the stage.

Netizens who have sighted the video have condemned the groom’s act amid demands for justice for the bride.

Watch the video below:

In Uzbekistan, groom hit the bride right at the wedding in front if guests, relatives, families from both sides. Noone stopped him, noone to defend her.
Footage shows the couple participated in game, after which he hit her.
We need an @WomanTreaty urgently pic.twitter.com/rgjtc4qM2W

— Leila Nazgul Seiitbek????? (@l_seiitbek) June 12, 2022