Uzbekistan is the quarter-final opponent of defending champion Qatar at the Asian Cup. The Central Asians defeated Thailand 2-1 because Fayzullaev had the perfect answer to the equalizer.
Joy about his winning goal: Abbosbek Fayzullaev.
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Defending champions Qatar were certainly watching closely what was happening at the Al-Janoub Stadium on Tuesday morning (CET). In the duel between Uzbekistan and Thailand, the host’s quarter-final opponent was sought. Both teams caused surprises in their last group games: Uzbekistan took one point from Australia (1:1) and Thailand fought for a draw against Saudi Arabia (0:0) – although both favorites had already qualified for the round of 16.
The encounter between the two unbeaten teams was dominated by Uzbekistan in the first 45 minutes. The Central Asians pushed the Thais into their half and repeatedly created opportunities to finish. Urunov, among others, shot past Khammai to the right after a fine one-two (18′). Ultimately, Turgunboev rewarded his team for their courageous performance: After a chest attack under opposition pressure, he overcame the Thailand goalkeeper to make the score 1-0 at halftime (37th), which could have been even higher.
Joker Sarachat stabs
Thailand coach Masatada Ishii responded to the deficit with a double substitution. This should show him a golden touch. Joker Sarachat equalized with a wonderful shot into the far corner (58th). The joy about the 1-1 score didn’t last long, as Fayzullaev on the other side put the Uzbeks back in the lead with a dry finish (65′).
Since the Southeast Asians were able to make the second half much more open, things remained exciting, and not just because of the result. Ultimately, the Uzbeks defended their 2-1 lead until the end and will now face Qatar on Saturday (4:30 p.m.).