AL WAKRAH: Uzbekistan booked a spot in the quarter-finals of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023after defeating Thailand 2-1 in their Round of 16 clash at Al Janoub Stadium on Tuesday.
The win, which took Uzbekistan into the quarter-finals of the continental showpiece for the fifth time in six editions, means Srecko Katanec’s side set up an enticing last-eight 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 one-on-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, starting for the first time in the tournament, sent a pass behind Theerathon Bunmanthon for 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 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, however, only lasted seven minutes with Uzbekistan regaining their lead after Jaloliddin Masharipov teed up Abbosbek Fayzullaev, with the latter turning his marker before producing a stunning goal from 25 yards out.
Thailand tried their best but could not create clear chances as Uzbekistan’s defence stood up to the test, with the bigger worry being the yellow card picked up by Abdukodir Khusanov, his second of the tournament which rules him out of the Qatar tie.
