In a game largely short on entertainment, Uzbekistan took the lead on the stroke of half-time when a defensive error allowed Bahritdinov to open the scoring.

Mirzayev then wrapped up the points just before the end of the game with a composed finish to finally see off a spirited Iraq side and top Group B with a perfect record.

Having already qualified for the last eight, coach Marat Kabaev rang the changes and the game began in low-key fashion with the ball spending much of the time in the middle of the pitch.

Javlon Guseynov saw a 35-yard free-kick fly wide and Waleed Al Saadi's glancing header from Amjed Hussein's free-kick ended in keeper Akmal Tursunbaev's hands in the opening exchanges.

Tursunbaev then managed to palm away Marwan Al Ajeeli's shot from a narrow angle just before the half-hour mark before Uzbekistan were gifted the lead in first-half stoppage time.

Alibobo Rakhmatullaev's cross from the right was headed by Mohammed Al Wuhaili, under no pressure, straight to Akramjon Bahritdinov and the midfielder made no mistake from 10 yards to put his side in front.

Iraq began the second period with plenty of attacking purpose but Mohammad Abdullah drove Ali Al Rubayawi's cut back straight at Tursunbaev from the edge of the box.

The Uzbekistan keeper held Marwan Al Ajeeli's effort at his near post in the 56th minute before Sardor Rashidov forced keeper Hassan Jalal to push away his 20-yard free-kick 12 minutes later.

Al Ajeeli's strong run down the right saw the forward gain another sight of goal as he drove into the box but once more his shot lacked power and Tursunbaev gathered.

Abdullah just beat the Uzbekistan keeper to a free-kick with 10 minutes to go but headed over before the Uzbeks doubled their lead just before the final whistle.

Rashidov broke clear down the left and he squared the ball to an unmarked Aleksandr Lupashko, whose scuffed finish was blocked by Jalal.

However, the ball found its way back out to Rashidov and he picked out Mirzayev, who side-footed home inside the near post to put the result beyond doubt.