June 16 (Reuters) - Asian champions Australia were given a stern examination in Bishkek by unheralded Kyrgyzstan before coming through as 2-1 winners in their World Cup qualifying opener on Tuesday.
Skipper Mile Jedinak gave the Socceroos a dream start with a second minute free kick that bounced into the corner of the net following a poor effort by goalkeeper Valery Kashuba.
The hosts then fought their way back into the Group B encounter and gave Australian goalkeeper Mat Ryan plenty of problems as they threatened an unlikely draw.
Jedinak was guilty of giving the ball away on several occasions as Kyrgyzstan used plenty of swift counter attacks to find holes in the Australian backline.