Saudi Arabia beat Thailand 3-1 Saturday in a 2002 World Cup qualifying game preceded by a moment of silence for victims of the terrorist attacks in the United States.

In the day's other qualifier, China defeated Uzbekistan 2-0 in Shenyang to stay on track for its first appearance in the World Cup.

At Bangkok, Sakesan Pituratana put Thailand ahead in the 28th minute, but Sami Al Jaber, Abdullah S.M. Binghehan and Obaid S. Al Dosari scored for the visitors in the second half.

Saudi Arabia (2-1-1) moved up to second place, one point behind Iran (2-0-2) in Group A of Asian qualifying. Thailand (0-2-2) is in last place.

At Beijing, China won with goals by Li Weifeng in the 62nd minute and Fan Zhiyi, who plays with England's Crystal Palace, in the 75th.

China (3-0-1) leads Group B in Asia with 10 points. Uzbekistan (2-2-0) is in second place with six points.

China has failed in six previous attempts to qualify for the World Cup.