In a match of few opportunities, Australia, minus stars Tim Cahill, Scott McDonald, Harry Kewell, Josh Kennedy and Brett Emerton, went out with defence in mind and achieved their aim of holding the home side.

But it was not without worry after Schwarzer was penalised for a tackle on Qu Bo in the penalty area. The Middlesbrough custodian stood strong, saving well with his body after Shao mis-hit his spot kick.

Australia is now on four points while China has just two. Iraq can join Australia at the top of Group A if it beats Qatar in Doha later on Wednesday.

There were only a handful of chances in a defensive first half. The best of them fell to Marco Bresciano in the 25th minute. The Palermo man was well fed by substitute Brett Holman, but one-on-one with Chinese defender Zong Lei, he was unable to beat the keeper. Zong was also on hand to deny Holman on 41 minutes.

Holman had come on in just the eighth minute as a replacement for Archie Thompson, who was injured in an incident which saw Feng Xiaoting booked. Thompson's departure left Australia without a recognised striker and the first 45 minutes reflected that.

Schwarzer had two or three saves to make in the first half but the only one which stretched him was a direct free kick from Sun Xiang which he punched clear. Zhu Ting went over twice from close range late in the half.

Zhu continued his profligate ways early in the second half heading straight at Schwarzer in the 52nd minute but the signs were much better for the home side which was much more purposeful.

Shao, Xiao Zhanbo and Qu Bo came on in quick succession as Vladimir Petrovic pushed for a winner, but the resolute Australian defence held firm, repelling everything which came their way.

Sun Jihai was lucky to escape unpunished from a two-footed tackle on Luke Wilkshire late on with Mohammad Omar Al Saeedi failing to show a card for the Manchester City man's blatant indiscretion.

Qu Bo then almost capitalised on an errant Australian header, crashing a shot straight at Schwarzer and then soon after looked to have earned the penalty which would have given the home side victory. But Schwarzer was up to the shot.

Australia even had a late chance to win it, but David Carney was unable to toe-in Bresciano's cross.

China 0
Australia 0
at Kunming