Group B is fast gaining a reputation as the 'group of dearth' with three of the first four matches ending 0-0 and the lacklustre encounter at the Parramatta Stadium did little to alter that perception after what was a scrappy contest that did Australia's hopes of a place in next year's Olympics no favours at all.

Australia followed drawing a blank in their opening match at home to the UAE with a goalless draw against Iraq in Doha last Wednesday and the Olyroos desperately needed to find their scoring touch against an Uzbek side that topped the Group B standings with four points following a 2-0 defeat of the Iraqis in Tashkent and a 0-0 draw in the UAE.

However, Australia were unable to make home advantage count for the second time in their Group B campaign and with just three points from three matches, the pressure is on Aurelio Vidmar's side going into the second-half of the qualifiers.