Uzbekistan hold Australia to book round of 16 spot
Al Wakrah, Qatar - Azizbek Turgenbov’s late header cancelled out Martin Boyle’s first half penalty to ensure Uzbekistan earned a 1-1 draw with Australia at Al Janoub Stadium on Tuesday as the Socceroos confirmed their status as Group B winners at the Asian Cup.
Boyle converted a minute into injury time after a handball by Odiljon Xamrobekov to put the Socceroos within sight of a third straight win, but substitute Turgenbov levelled in the 78th minute to seal second place in the standings for Srecko Katanec’s side.
The result means Australian will next take on one of the third placed finishers in the Round of 16 while Uzbekistan are due to meet the runners-up in Group F when the knockout rounds begin on Sunday.
Australia’s headed into the net in the 11th minute, but his effort was quickly ruled out with Boyle in an offside position in the build-up.
Abbosbek Fayzullaev threatened behind the Australian defence before his shot was blocked by Kye Rowles while Harry Souttar was forced to throw himself at full stretch to deny Otabek Shukurov a shooting opportunity eight minutes from the end of the first half.
Yengi enlightened a tepid first half with a slaloming run that ended with Mcgree miscuing his shot badly wide, only for the VAR officials to alert referee Yusuke Araki to an incident inside the box that saw the ball hit Xamrobekov’s arm as he sought to block Yengi’s run.
The review led to Araki pointing to the spot and Boyle sent Utkir Yusupov the wrong way to put the Australians in front.