The national football team on Wednesday beat Uzbekistan, 2-1, in a victory crucial for its 2006 World Cup hopes.

Midfielder Lee Young-pyo and striker Lee Dong-gook each scored in a nine-minute stretch in the second half, as South Korea reclaimed first place in Group A of the Asian zone.

Lee Young-pyo hit the back of the net in the 53rd minute to open the scoring. Teammate Lee Dong-gook followed in the 61st minute for a comfortable 2-0 lead.

Alexander Geynrikh brought Uzbekistan back into the game with a goal in the 77th minute, but his team failed to score the equalizer before time.

The two teams will play again on June 3.