Australia snared the crucial away win with a header from Scott Chipperfield midway through the first half.

Mark Bresciano almost doubled the lead on the stroke of half-time when he broke through the erratic Uzbekistan defence and was one on one with the keeper.

But his powerful shot just blasted wide and struck the stanchion behind the net, denying Australia a second goal of the game.

Uzbekistan came out resurgent in the second half, but staunch defending by the Aussies kept the Asian assault in check for 20 minutes until the sting went out of the attack.

Australia controlled the rest of the match to ensure all three points in their opening game of the second group stage of the World Cup qualifiers, putting them in prime position for a place at South Africa 2010.

Coach Verbeek was proud of the team after the game.

"Not too bad, huh? like we say in Australia," he said. "The boys did a fantastic job. We were waiting for 2-0 to be honest.

"We were waiting for our chances and I think we had good opportunities especially at the end of the first half to make it 2-0 and then the game's finished. That would have finished the game off."

He added: "I think the whole team did a great performance and it's a great start winning away from home in Uzbekistan.

"They have six games to go but we've got three points - fantastic."

He also paid tribute to goal hero Chipperfield who dominated at left-back as well as scoring the winner.

"Fantastic ," said Pim "He scores for his club every week from what I've heard and that's good.

"He's so experienced and he's a great player for us. I'm very happy that he's back."

Despite three points in the bag, Verbeek was aware there was still work needing to be done on the side for future games before their place at the next World Cup is secure.

He added: "Football-wise I think we have played better games.

"But if you look at the commitment of the players and the way they worked hard for each other, then I think they did a great job and it's a very good start."