Australia on brink

SYDNEY - Josh Kennedy and Harry Kewell scored second-half goals to put Australia on the verge of securing a World Cup spot with a 2-0 win over Uzbekistan.

West Ham defender Lucas Neill led the Socceroos in the wet conditions at Stadium Australia and said the win “was massive''. Kennedy, a tall forward with German club Karlsruhe, scored six minutes after coming on to replace Celtic striker Scott McDonald.

The 26-year-old Kennedy directed a header inside the near post from Mark Bresciano's powerful cross from the right edge of the area in the 66th minute to break the deadlock.