The Socceroos grabbed a priceless advantage in the race to the 2010 World Cup finals with a 1-nil win over fancied Uzbekistan in Tashkent to open their final stage of Asian qualifying.
Scott Chipperfield's 26th minute goal proved the difference as Australia silenced a 35,000-strong crowd at the Pakhtakor Stadium by dominating in an impressive first 45 minutes.
They then weathered a 20-minute second half blitz from the Uzbeks, in which the home side came closest when Jasur Hasanov's 52nd minute shot was cleared off the line by Australian defender Luke Wilkshire.
Australia must finish in the top two of their five-team group to qualify for the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.
With Uzbekistan rated with Japan and the Socceroos as the three best sides in their group, Australia could not have made a better start to their campaign.
Uzbekistan have now lost their opening two Group A matches, and face an uphill battle to qualify directly from the group.
Australia's next World Cup qualifier is against Qatar in Brisbane on October 15th.
