Mark Schwarzer saved a late penalty to maintain Australia's unbeaten start to their World Cup qualifying campaign after a 0-0 draw against China.

The Socceroos overcame a horror injury toll and the lung-busting altitude of Kunming to claim a vital away point and stay top of their qualification group.

Goalkeeper Schwarzer ended Australia's saviour after stopping a spot kick from Shao Jiayi in the 89th minute.

Schwarzer had conceded the penalty after referee Ahmad Nasser contentiously ruled the `keeper had brought down speedy substitute Qu Bo in the box.

But the 35-year-old made amends by blocking Jiayi's limp shot to give Australia their second clean sheet in as many games to begin their bid for the 2010 World Cup.

Minutes later, the Socceroos nearly stole victory when Mark Bresciano pulled back a ball for David Carney in the box.

But the Australian wing back failed to lay a boot on the chance as defender Sun Xiang rushed in to clear.

It was the second of two great chances for Australia in the game.

Earlier, Bresciano had the perfect opportunity to give the Socceroos the lead.

But after superb lead-up work from Brett Holman, the midfielder could only blast his 25th minute shot from close range straight at the `keeper.

China were perhaps fortunate to end the game with a full compliment of players after a studs-up challenge from Sun Jihai on Luke Wilkshire in the 81st minute.

The referee, though, awarded Australia only a free kick with Jihai not even booked.

The draw was even more meritorious for the Socceroos given they lost striker Archie Thompson to a calf injury in just the 10th minute.

The Melbourne Victory striker, who was felled in a rough challenge from Feng Xiaoting in the fourth minute, battled on for several minutes with the injury before finally succumbing.

Coach Pim Verbeek lost as many as seven first-team players in the lead up to the game, including Harry Kewell, who was ruled out early today with a groin injury.

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AAP