Australia’s key Olympic soccer qualifying match against Uzbekistan has been brought forward five hours due to extremely cold conditions in Tashkent.

The game was scheduled to kick off at 8pm on Sunday local time but will now start at 3pm (9pm AEDT).

Temperatures in Tashkent have plummeted to -18 degrees and aren’t expected to climb much above -8 during the day.

It is a crucial game for the Olyroos, who are currently running third in the four-team Asian qualifying group, two points behind leaders Uzbekistan.

Australia have yet to score or concede a goal in the competition, having fought out 0-0 draws in all three of their games.

Only the group winner advances directly to the Olympics, with all second-placed teams going into a playoff.