Recalled midfielder Sardor Rashidov scored twice, including the second minute opener, while substitute Vokhid Shodiev was also on target at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium as Uzbekistan claimed the win they need to secure a fourth consecutive quarter-final appearance.

And with two-time winners Korea, who beat Uzbekistan in the third place play-off in 2011 in Qatar, topping Group A ahead of hosts Australia, the pair will meet back at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on Thursday.

“We promise to beat Korea,” said Kasimov, who saw his side lose 1-0 to Korea during a 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Seoul in June 2013.

“We always think about losing to Korea in the World Cup qualifiers and I think the players will do their best. It will be an interesting game.”

The win was only Uzbekistan’s second in their last five games, although it was enough to deny Saudi Arabia the point they need to progress from Group B alongside China.

“As we expected it was a tough game for both teams because both teams wanted to qualify for the next stage. Saudi Arabia’s players are very good and they showed this, and in my opinion they are one of the best in Asia as they have many quality players, but I think we were better and my players did well and we won,” added Kasimov.

“It was one of the great wins in my opinion, but great because of our players as they did everything and put all their power onto the pitch and I am happy with them. If we play like this in all the games, we will reach a high level.”

Rashidov’s inclusion was one of five changes made by Kasimov following Wednesday’s defeat by China, with captain and two-time AFC Player of the Year Server Djeparov one of those dropped to the bench by the former Uzbekistan international.

“We planned this type of rotation in our squad, but we planned it in another situation as we wanted to qualify after the second game, but we could not do this and I believe it was time to refresh some of the players in the squad,” said Kasimov.

“I am very happy this rotation helped us and I am proud of the young players who did everything today.

“Server Djeparov is very experienced and I think he will help us in this tournament in the future.”