Jaloliddin Masharipov gave Uzbekistan a bright start but after missing numerous chances to add to the score, Uzbekistan finished the game in frantic mode as DPR Korea pushed for the equaliser but Katanec was unperturbed as what mattered to the Slovenian were the three points.

“Even though we didn’t play well, we won,” said Katanec. “The result is the most important and because of this, I am satisfied.

“We were able to score and they didn’t. We conceded a silly penalty but the opponents did not take advantage of it. I think that DPR Korea will cause problems for opponents in their next games.

“Our main task is to get to the World Cup. Our goal is the result. In the previous years, Uzbekistan played a beautiful and entertaining game but could not go to the World Cup, we need the World Cup.”

DPR Korea had the opportunity to level things before half-time but Kang Kuk Chol’s penalty was saved by Utkir Yusupov, leaving the two-time FIFA World Cup participants empty handed at the end of 90 minutes.

A disappointed Sin Yong Nam admitted his side took far too long to settle into their rhythm at Bunyodkor Stadium but the head coach wants his charges to produce an improved showing when they face Qatar on Tuesday.

“Today we did not achieve our goal,” said Sin. “The game went faster than we expected. We expected a better result. I think that we will prepare for the next games at a higher level and try to achieve better results.

“Qatar are a strong team and the current Asian champions, they are well trained. In football, anything can happen so we have to prepare well and try to get a good result.”

The tie against Qatar in Vientiane promises to be a thriller with the West Asian side having lost 3-1 to the United Arab Emirates on Thursday. Uzbekistan, meanwhile, will travel to Bishkek to play Kyrgyz Republic, who were defeated 1-0 by the Islamic Republic of Iran.