Uzbekistan beat Thailand to enter Asian Cup quarterfinals

Uzbekistan started strong in the first half and quickly established dominance with constant attacks on Thailand.

They also missed many chances until the 37th minute with a textbook goal.

Diyor Khoimatov made an inch-perfect pass for Azizbek Turgunboev, who controlled the ball with his chest before putting it past the legs of goalkeeper Pattiwat Khammai with an accurate shot.

After the opening goal, Uzbekistan didn’t slow down as the immense pressure on Thailand remained. The Southeast Asian team had a hard time getting the ball to the other side as their midfielders were overpowered by Uzbekistan’s but managed not to concede another goal before entering the break.

In the second half, Thailand planned to overwhelm Uzbekistan with attacks after making two substitutions. One of them, striker Supachok Sarachat scored an equalizer with a beautiful long-range curler in the 58th minute.

However, they coudn’t maintain the draw for long as seven minutes later, Uzbekistan got ahead again. There was not much to say about this goal because it was an amazing effort by Abbosbek Fayzullaev, who received the ball at the edge of the box before making a turn and finishing past goalkeeper Pattiwat Khammai’s reach.

The remaiing time saw Uzbekistan strengthening the defense to protect their lead, while Thailand pushed forward in search of an equalizer. However, all of their attacks were neutralized by Uzbekistan defense.

Despite losing 1-2, Thailand can leave the tournament with their heads high as they performed impressively in the group stage, placing second without conceding a goal and fought well against Uzbekistan.