The results meant Uzbekistan finished Group A on seven points from three matches, one ahead of Qatar with China third on four and Kuwait last with none.

Nearly 30,000 expectant fans turned out at the Khalifa Stadium hopeful that Qatar could match their tournament best performance of a quarterfinal place achieved 11 years ago.

Their nerves were eased after just 11 minutes when captain Bilal Mohammed rose highest to confidently flick a header past Yaqoub Al Taher in the Kuwait goal.

The hosts then doubled their advantage just five minutes later when Mohamed El Sayed curled a right foot shot past Al Taher, who was out of position having blocked the winger's initial header.

Confetti rained down at the stadium as Qatar bossed the remainder of the match against a deflated Kuwait side, who could have qualified for the last eight if they won and other results went their way.

Substitute Fabio Cesar curled a late 20-meter free-kick up and over the wall into the top corner of Al Taher's goal to add gloss to the easy victory.

At the Al Gharafa Stadium, group leaders Uzbekistan fell behind after just six minutes in their bid to reach the last eight for a third consecutive Asian championships.

China midfielder Yu Hai stooped low to head home after a well-worked corner, although Uzbek keeper Ignatiy Nesterov will feel he should have done better.

The Uzbeks struck back with a neat goal from marauding center-half Odil Akhmedov who slotted home an equalizer on the half-hour mark.

The Uzbeks took the lead straight after halftime when striker Alexander Geynrikh shot home but Hao Junmin hauled China level in the 56th minute to set up a nervy finale.