The Uzbekistan U-23 football team secured a place in the Asian Games semi-finals after defeating Saudi Arabia in the quarter-finals. The match took place on September 25, and the team, led by Ravshan Khaydarov, achieved a convincing 3-0 victory.
The first goal was scored in the 12th minute of the match. Although Sardor Bahromov took the free kick, the goalkeeper managed to save it, but defender Dilshod Murtazoyev was in a better position and finished the ball into the opponent's net, opening the score at 1-0.
In the second half, the Uzbek team continued to increase its advantage. In the 79th minute, Azizbek Tulkinbekov entered the game and scored the second goal. Then, in the 86th minute, Firdavs Abdurakhmonov registered the third goal, bringing the score to 3-0.
The starting lineup for Uzbekistan included Samandar Muratbaev, Saidxon Khamidov, Dilshod Murtazoyev, Giyosjon Rizakulov, Kuvonchbek Khushvaktov, Sardorbek Bahromov, Saidumarkhon Saidnurullaev, Mukhammadali Urinboev, Asilbek Zhumaev, Azizbek Tulkinbekov, and Ruziboy Faizullaev. Mukhammadali Urinboev was appointed team captain.
In the upcoming semi-final, Uzbekistan will face the winner of the quarter-final match between Japan and North Korea, scheduled for the evening of September 26.
Match Statistics
Statistical analysis showed that Uzbekistan conceded possession percentage to Saudi Arabia, which stood at 41% against 59%. However, the Uzbek team demonstrated greater attacking efficiency: they made 19 shots, with 10 of them hitting the target (53%). In contrast, the opponent managed only six shots, and only one of these shots reached the target.
Both teams were equal in the number of corner kicks, with a score of 4:4. In terms of discipline, Saudi Arabia committed more fouls (8 fouls against 6) and received three yellow cards, while the players from Uzbekistan remained without any warnings.
Previous Game Results
Previously, following the group stage, Ravshan Khaydarov's team finished first in their group, accumulating nine points with a goal difference of 9:1. In the final group match, held on September 22, Uzbekistan defeated Vietnam 2-0. Mukhammadali Urinboev opened the scoring in the 5th minute, and Nurlan Ibrahimov scored the second goal in the 67th minute.
Before that, the team had won against the Philippines 5-1, and subsequently beat Kuwait 2-0. These two victories allowed the Uzbek footballers to qualify for the playoffs ahead of schedule. Thus, in the current Asian Games, the Uzbekistan national team has won all four matches played, with an overall goal difference of 12:1.
