Malek Maaz scored twice and Abdoh Autef and Saad Al Harthi also netted for the Saudis, who avenged a 3-0 loss to the Uzbeks in March.

"We won the game because we played a very good match with good tactics despite losing some key players in the squad to injuries and suspensions," said Al Johar.

"My team did what they had to do during the match and listened to my advice during our training sessions."

Al Johar has now got his sights set on the start of the final round of the qualifiers in September as the Saudis attempt to qualify for a fifth consecutive World Cup.

"Now we have to wait for the draw for the final round. I admit that we still have some problems in the Saudi squad and I will have to work during the next period to fix some of the team’s errors," the 2001 Asian Coach of the Year added.

"We will give the players enough rest before they rejoin our overseas training camp, when we will have the chance to play against three European teams currently participating in Euro2008."

Uzbekistan coach Rauf Inileev felt that the searing conditions in Riyadh were a major factor in his side’s heavy defeat.

"One of the main reasons for our defeat tonight was the hot weather in Riyadh as the temperature is ten degrees Celsius higher than Tashkent," said Inileev.

"The Saudis were more familiar with the conditions as they played their matches and held their training camps in this city.

"I started the match with some new players but unfortunately they failed to perform well during the match.

"Saudi Arabia are a very strong team and they did well in tonight’s game and they deserved the win as they were better than my team.

"I think we face an uphill task in the next round as we need to do better to secure one of the berths to the World Cup finals. I know we will face some tough teams there," he concluded.