Doha, Qatar: In a decisive clash at Al Bayt Stadium at 6:30 pm Doha time, the defending champions Qatar face Uzbekistan in the last round of 8 game in the Asian Cup 2023, determining who will advance to the semifinals to face Iran, following their 2-1 victory over Japan at Education City Stadium.
The teams have met 13 times before, with no draws; Uzbekistan leads with 9 wins to Qatar's 3.
In their AFC Asian Cup encounters, they have clashed 3 times, with Uzbekistan winning twice and Qatar once.
Entering this match, Qatar boasts a fully available squad, highlighting their injury-free status and impressive form with four consecutive wins, seven goals scored, and just one conceded.
Stars like Akram Afif and Hassan Al Haydos have been particularly standout players.
Qatar's coach, Bartolome Marquez Lopez, emphasized their readiness, stating, “We have reached what we are looking for, we’re in the quarter finals and if anyone thinks we can’t make it to the final that is up to them.”
He highlighted the team's speed and talent but acknowledged the physical challenge of the upcoming game.
On the other side, Uzbekistan's journey to the quarter-final was marked by a remarkable 2-1 win against Thailand.
The coach of Uzbekistan, Srečko Katanec, expressed confidence in their performance so far, saying, “We reach already a nice position, we didn’t lose, we have conceded fewer goals so they have to worry, like we have to be worried.”
Stay tuned as we bring you match highlights and a glimpse of the football atmosphere at the Al Bayt Stadium.
Qatar's qualifying penalty
WATCH: The crowd at Al Bayt Stadium erupts in joy as Pedro Miguel successfully converts the last penalty against Uzbekistan and sends Qatar to the #AsianCup2023 semifinals.#Qatar2023 #HayyaAsia #QATvUZB #Qatar #Uzbekistan pic.twitter.com/yJXiYgpUB7
— The Peninsula Qatar (@PeninsulaQatar) February 3, 2024
Qatar into the semis!
FULL TIME
— The Peninsula Qatar (@PeninsulaQatar) February 3, 2024
120' + 4'
Qatar 1 (3p) - Uzbekistan 1(2p)
Qatari goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham's heroics during the penalty shootout propel Qatar into the semifinals and boosts Al-Annabi's chances of retaining the title.
LIVE MATCH: https://t.co/lToEYboiVl #Qatar #AsianCup2023… pic.twitter.com/krP9HeECBv
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PEDRO scores! 3-2. Qatar win the game!
Jaloliddin Masharipov MISSES! 2-2
2-2 all after Sultan scores for Qatar while Abdirakhmatov misses!
AlMahdi Ali misses for Qatar! 1-2
Umarov converts for Uzbekistan. 1-2
Almoez Ali misses! Yusopov saves! Still 1-1
Ashurmatov misses! Barsham saves!
Afif steps up for Qatar, and scores! 1-1
Shukrov takes the first penalty for Uzbekistan and he scores! 1-0
Penalties
This match will be determined in a penalty shootout
First period of extra time over, second begins.
15 minutes to either a decider, or the penalty shootout. Stay tuned.
90' + 12' Regulation time over
The game heads to extra time
WATCH: Barshim with an amazing save to rescue the Qatar team from a dangerous freekick
فرصة خطيرة |
— قنوات الكاس (@AlkassTVSports) February 3, 2024
مشعل برشم حارس مرمى منتخبنا الوطني يتصدى ببراعة لهدف أوزبكي #قطر_أوزبكستان#هيا_آسيا | #كأس_آسيا2023 #قطر2023 | #AsianCup2023#كاس_آسيا_قنوات_الكاس#شوف_الكاس pic.twitter.com/mw68GekUGF
Mohammed Waad rescues his team from a very dangerous chance
وعد في الموعد المحدد ???????? pic.twitter.com/JN9XtjZscj
— الاتحاد القطري لكرة القدم (@QFA) February 3, 2024
33'
Game much livelier now, with an increased flow in attack from the Uzbek side which had sat back and tried to absorb pressure before conceding the first goal.
GOAL QATAR
GOAL!
— The Peninsula Qatar (@PeninsulaQatar) February 3, 2024
⏱️27'
Qatar 1-0 Uzbekistan
Hassan Al Haydos' cross into the area takes a slight deflection and ambushes Uzbek goalkeeper Yusopov, who parries it into the back of his net.
⚽???? LIVE MATCH: https://t.co/lToEYboiVl #Qatar #AFCAsianCup2023 #AsianCup2023 #Qatar2023…
24'
A very reserved showing from the Uzbek side as Qatar looking increasingly more dangerous as the game rolls on. Still 0-0
Lineups
???? LINE UPS | ???????? Qatar ???? Uzbekistan ????????
— #AsianCup2023 (@afcasiancup) February 3, 2024
Both teamsheets have been submitted for this last quarter-final.
Which team will join Jordan, Korea Republic and IR Iran in the semi-finals?
Watch Live ???? https://t.co/nJZ0pcVqz1#AsianCup2023 | #HayyaAsia | #QATvUZB pic.twitter.com/UPSZ0FT1hO
Warmup
Qatar and Uzbekistan players perform pre-match warmups minutes before their fateful #AsianCup2023 Round of 16 encounter, which will determine who gets the last seat in the semifinals.
— The Peninsula Qatar (@PeninsulaQatar) February 3, 2024
⚽⚽ LIVE MATCH: https://t.co/lToEYboiVl#AFCAsianCup2023 #Qatar2023 #HayyaAsia #QATvUZB pic.twitter.com/5FckIcDqgq
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Al Bayt vibes
Fans outside the Al Bayt Stadium indulge themselves in sideline activities before the Qatar vs Uzbekistan matchup
— The Peninsula Qatar (@PeninsulaQatar) February 3, 2024
⚽⚽ LIVE MATCH: https://t.co/lToEYboiVl#Qatar #AFCAsianCup2023 #AsianCup2023 #Qatar2023 #HayyaAsia #QATvUZB pic.twitter.com/DjoQWf1Iss
