Goals from Josh Kennedy in the 66th minute and a Harry Kewell penalty in the 73rd proved the difference in a match that changed complexion greatly after the break.

The victory puts Australia on the cusp of qualification for the World Cup finals as they top Group A with 13 points from five games.

Verbeek admitted he told the players at half time that they needed to move the ball quicker and try to expose Uzbekistan’s fatigue due to them playing their second game in five days.

"I’m very pleased with the 2-0 win,” said the Dutchman. “We had a difficult first half but I think the second half we played faster, quicker and with a higher ball speed.

“We created more chances. We didn’t give them many chances to get in and around our penalty box and I think we deserved the first goal and the second goal.”

Australia dominated possession in the first 45 minutes but created little in terms of goal opportunities with the exception of Mark Bresciano’s effort which was well-blocked on 15 minutes.

"It was definitely a bad first half,” added Verbeek. “I have to say Uzbekistan plays very compact. They made it very difficult for us.

“We said at half time that we have to do things different by going more wide and with more pressure and not to give them a chance to play football anymore. Then the chances will come because they will be tired.”

Uzbekistan coach Mirdjalal Kasimov agreed that his players simply failed to keep up the pace for the 90 minutes after such a limited preparation.

"There was a very big difference between the first and second half,” he said.

“The second half my boys looked very tired and they were not the same as they were in the first half. We expected them to be tired and exhausted. It was a long flight to Australia and there were only four days between matches.”

While automatic qualification for the 2010 World Cup is now out of Uzbekistan’s reach, Kasimov has backed his players to bounce back and seriously challenge for the third spot, which will earn them a playoff spot and keep their hopes alive.

"The first two places have gone,” he added. “We have to keep our motivation up to keep struggling for World Cup qualification.”