Asian heavyweights Japan, Australia, South Korea and Saudi Arabia blazed to convincing victories as they got their World Cup qualifying campaigns off to fliers.

Japan overwhelmed 10-man Thailand 4-1 for the perfect first step on the road to South Africa in 2010.

The Socceroos were equally dominant in their 3-0 thrashing of Asian Games champions Qatar in Melbourne, while the Koreans crushed minnows Turkmenistan 4-0 in Seoul. In a later game, Saudi Arabia beat Singapore 2-0 in Riyadh.

Iran against Syria finished goalless while Iraq and China ground out a 1-1 draw, which will be welcomed by the Socceroos who are in the same “group of death.”

In Dubai, Hawar Taher gave Asian champions Iraq the lead with a 50th minute penalty before Charlton Athletic star Zheng Zhi squared the game with 15 minutes left.

Japan, Asia’s top-ranked team, were held 1-1 in the first half in their Group 2 game but conjured three goals after the break in snowy conditions at Saitama stadium. Japan went ahead through a Yasuhito Endo free-kick on 21 minutes, only for Teeratep Winothai to equalise with a sizzling shot just a minute later.

Bahrain beat Oman 1-0 in Muscat in the other Group 2 showdown, thanks to Aala Hubail in the 14th minute, with only the top two teams from the five Asian groups progressing to the fourth and final round of qualifying.

Australia stormed past Qatar in a rip-roaring start for new coach Pim Verbeek as they bid to qualify for the World Cup via Asia for the first time.

... contd.