Australia beat Kuwait 2-0 to reach Asian Cup finals

SYDNEY, Aug 16 (Reuters) Australia, without all their European-based players, beat Kuwait 2-0 today to become the first team to qualify for next year's Asian Cup finals.

Midfielder Travis Dodd and substitute Sasho Petrovski scored in the last 14 minutes to continue the Socceroos' upward momentum after reaching the second round of this year's World Cup in Germany.

Australia only joined the Asian Football Confederation nine months ago and, following the withdrawal of Lebanon from the competition, are guaranteed to finish in the top two of three-team Group D after only two qualifiers.

The Socceroos beat Bahrain 3-1 in their opening match.

REUTERS DH HT1730