Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Fujairah: Jamshid Boltaboev scored a late winner as Uzbekistan marched into the knockout stages of the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2013 by beating Croatia 2-1 on Thursday at the Fujairah Stadium.
Boltaboev scored the decisive second goal with just 11 minutes remaining after Alen Halilovic cancelled out Duje Caleta-Car’s own goal in the 28th minute.
Despite managing equal points, Uzbekistan progressed as Group C runners-up behind Morocco who defeated Panama 4-2 in another simultaneous kickoff match played at Sharjah. The Moroccans topped the table on superior goal difference – one goal ahead of the Uzbeks.
A panic clearance from Caleta-Car landed inside his own net in the 14th minute as the AFC U-16 Championship 2012 winners drew the first blood in the match.
Halilovic brought the match in equal terms in the 28th minute and Uzbekistan goalie Sarvar Karimov was in thick of action to keep the scoreline intact before Boltaboev delivered the killer blow from the penalty area which landed at the top corner of the Croatian goal.
Uzbekistan will face Honduras on Monday in the Round of 16 match.
Photo: FIFA.com