SINGAPORE: Uzbekistan cruised home but Iran, Australia and Syria had to scrap as all four moved within touching distance of the 2011 Asian Cup finals with qualifying victories on Saturday.

Australia looked in danger of a second defeat when defender Rhys Williams was sent off and then Khalifa Ayil gave Oman a first-half lead. The Socceroos, though, fought back in style to win 2-1 and go top of Group B with seven points from four games.

Goals from Luke Wilkshire and Brett Emerton, eight minutes from time, saw off Oman (four points). Second-placed Kuwait (six) edged out bottom team Indonesia 2-1.

The top two in the group qualify for the finals in Qatar.

Triple champions Iran needed a 73rd-minute header from Osasuna midfielder Javad Nekonam to defeat stubborn Jordan 1-0 in Tehran.

Iran are first in Group E with seven points from three matches, two clear of Thailand who won 3-1 in Singapore to give new coach Bryan Robson victory.

“It is great to win my first competitive game but my job is to qualify and I need to succeed in that and only then will I be happy,” former England captain Robson told reporters.

Victories for the top two in next week’s reverse fixtures would book Iran’s place in the finals and leave Thailand on the brink of qualifying.

Group D leaders Syria also had to fight hard for victory with substitute Raja Rafe proving a late match winner.

The striker headed the only goal in the 94th minute from a Firas Al Khatib free kick to beat Vietnam and preserve Syria’s 100 percent start. “My faith in Raja Rafe has been repaid,” said coach Fajr Ibrahim. “He scored with his only chance.” Syria, with three wins from three games, can qualify by beating third-placed Vietnam on Wednesday.

China, in second place on six points, are also well placed after easing past Lebanon 2-0 in Beirut.

Uzbekistan moved top of Group C after shrugging off a five-game scoreless run to record a comfortable 3-1 home win over Malaysia.

A second-half double from substitute Alexander Geynrikh followed Server Djeparov’s opener in the 46th minute, with Zaquan Abdul Radzak heading a late consolation for the visitors.

Victory in Wednesday’s reverse fixture would see Uzbekistan, who have six points from two matches, qualify.