Uzbekistan’s midfielder Abbosbek Fayzullaev celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal. AFP
Doha, Qatar: A brilliant second half goal from Abbosbek Fayzullaev proved to be the decisive factor yesterday as Uzbekistan defeated Thailand 2-1 to set up a quarter-final match against hosts and defending Asian champions Qatar.
Azizbek Turgunboev’s opening goal in front of 18,691 spectators at Al Janoub Stadium gave the Uzbekistan side an early lead. However, Thailand, the lowest-ranked team remaining in the tournament, equalized just before the hour mark with a stunning long-range strike from substitute Supachok Sarachat.
It did not take long for Uzbekistan to strike back.
Uzbekistan's Azizbek Turgunboev (third left) heads the ball.
Uzbekistan regained control in the second half when 20-year-old CSKA Moscow midfielder Fayzullaev came off the bench and fired a shot from 25 yards out, scoring his second goal of the tournament to restore the lead once again.
Thailand tried their best but could not create opportunities as Uzbekistan tightened their defense.
Uzbekistan coach Srecko Katanec was elated with joy after the win, achieved under difficult circumstances. Katanec started without five of his key players due to various reasons. “Imagine what kind of work I have to do,” Katanec said. “We also have some virus, many players are ill, but we performed well and our players did their job,” he said.
Uzbekistan’s Abbosbek Fayzullaev celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s second goal. AFP
Thailand’s Japanese coach Masatada Ishii said his team has many things that need to be fixed. “There are many things we have to fix. Not only the national team but also the domestic league and support from the football association, to develop more and be as one, so we can come back here again,” Masatada stayed positive despite missing the knockout stage for a second time in a row.
With their quarter-final spot secured, Uzbekistan will now face a formidable Qatar side, who booked their place in the last eight with a 2-1 win over Palestine on Monday as both the teams seek their second semi-final berth in the AFC Asian Cup.
Uzbekistan supporters celebrate their team's victory. AFP
As Uzbekistan get ready for the task ahead, they will miss Abdukodir Khusanov who picked up his second yellow card of the tournament which rules him out of the last eight clash. Adding to Katanec’s woes, more bad news coming from the Uzbek camp revealed that at least five more players will not be available on Saturday due to illnesses.
Despite being hit by bad news, Katanec went on to enjoy yesterday’s win, and said: “We can surprise Qatar, why not?”
