Japan, winners in 2006, defeated defending champions Egypt 3-0 on Monday to take pole position in Group B after Germany and Poland played out a goalless draw.

In the Group A matches played at the Grand Hamad Stadium in Doha on Sunday, two goals in the first 15 minutes saw Uzbekistan edge hosts Qatar to lead Group A ahead of Cyprus and China, who needed an equaliser on the hour mark to pick up a point against the Cypriots after the Europeans had taken the lead on the stroke of half-time.