TASHKENT: Odil Ahmedov’s second-half free-kick helped Uzbekistan seal a vital 1-0 victory over a resolute Qatar side at Bunyodkor Stadium on Tuesday and maintain their bid for automatic qualification for the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018. The loss on Tuesday has left Qatar - coached by Jorge Fossati - rooted to the bottom of Group A. Qatar refused to wilt under pressure in front of a partisan crowd at Bunyodkor Stadium in the first half when both sides walked off without a goal. A 1-0 loss to Syria last week meant Uzbekistan needed three points to stay within striking distance of second-placed Korea Republic, but the opening 45 minutes saw the Central Asians struggle to break down a resolute Qatar defence. But just as it appeared the hosts could be in for a frustrating night, Ahmedov curled in a lovely low free-kick from 20 yards on 65 minutes to put the Uzbeks in front, before the Shanghai SIPG midfielder forced goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb to tip wide from distance with 17 minutes remaining. In a frantic final 10 minutes the visitors' Al Moiz Ali had a goal ruled out for offside before Egor Krimets miscued against his own crossbar, but Uzbekistan held out to remain third in Group A, a point behind Korea Republic, who defeated Syria 1-0 earlier on Tuesday. Last Thursday, Qatar lost to Iran at Al Sadd Stadium.