Uzbekistan edge Thailand to set up Qatar showdown
Al Wakrah, Qatar - Uzbekistan booked a spot in the quarterfinals of the Asian Cup after defeating Thailand 2-1 in their Round of 16 clash at Al Janoub Stadium on Tuesday.
The win, which took Uzbekistan into the last eight of the continental showpiece for the fifth time in six editions, means Srecko Katanec’s side set up an enticing tie against defending champions Qatar at Al Bayt Stadium on Saturday.
With a place in the last eight at stake, both sides adopted a cautious approach but Uzbekistan gradually began to dominate, creating chances as the half wore on.
Oston Urunov was at the heart of everything good that the White Wolves did going forward, exchanging passes with Jaloliddin Masharipov to set up a oneon-one situation with Thai keeper Patiwat Khammai only to drag his shot wide.
The Navbahor player then had another opportunity from the edge of the box but saw his attempt take two deflections before sailing over the bar while Odiljon Xamrobekov’s shot from inside the box hit the side netting.
Uzbekistan’s persistent pressure finally paid dividends in the 37th minute when Diyor Kholmatov sent a passfor Azizbek Turgunboev to control with his chest before slamming past Patiwat.
Masatada Ishii sent on star players Supachok Sarachat and Suphanat Mueanta at the start of
The win took Uzbekistan into the last eight of the continental showpiece for the fifth time
the second half, a move that gave Thailand the attacking impetus that had been sorely lacking in the first period. Two minutes before the hour mark, the War Elephants found the equaliser when Supachok drove from midfield and played a one-two with Supchai Chaided before bending the ball into the bottom corner past Utkir Yusupov.
The parity only lasted seven minutes as Uzbekistan regained their lead after Jaloliddin Masharipov teed up Abbosbek Fayzullaev, who scored a stunner from 25 yards out.