Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Tashkent: Anzur Ismailov’s missed penalty at the end of a tense shootout saw Jordan remain on course for a maiden FIFA World Cup appearance after edging out Uzbekistan 9-8 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in Tuesday’s play-off second leg.
Ismailov had earlier opened the scoring for the home side after just five minutes at Pakhtakor Stadium as Uzbekistan looked to build on last week’s 1-1 draw in Amman.
But after Saeed Murjan crucially equalised three minutes before half-time, Jordan will now face South American opposition in November’s intercontinental play-off for a place at the 2014 finals in Brazil, while Uzbekistan saw their hopes ended at the same stage having lost to Bahrain on away goals ahead of the 2006 tournament.
Like in the first leg last week Uzbekistan made the better start, but on this occasion, they were able to find the early breakthrough as Jordan goalkeeper Amer Shafi did well to push out Server Djeparov’s free-kick after recalled midfielder Oleg Zoteev had been pulled back only for centre-back Ismailov to follow up from the edge of the six-yard area.
Jordan eventually settled into the contest after the early setback and fashioned their first shot on target after 17 minutes as first leg goalscorer Mus’ab Al Lahham tested goalkeeper Murotjon Zukhurov with a high shot from inside the area which was unconvincingly pushed away by the Uzbekistan custodian.
Uzbekistan, though, still looked the more likely to increase their advantage as Jasur Khasanov wasted an opportunity after 30 minutes as the midfielder attempted to find Djeparov following good work from Odil Ahmedov when the shot from inside the area looked the best option.
The visitors again threatened an equaliser five minutes before half-time as Al Lahham skipped past the challenge of Ahmedov before feeding Ahmad Saleh and the midfielder sent a strike rising narrowly over the crossbar with Zukhurov at full stretch.
Zukhurov, though, was left helpless two minutes later as Akmal Shorakhmedov’s clearance fell perfectly to Murjan 25 yards from the Uzbekistan goal and the midfielder’s expertly executed half-volley dropped into the bottom corner past the despairing dive of the Uzbekistan goalkeeper to level the scores before the break.
Following a cagey start to the second half, Uzbekistan substitute Sanjar Tursunov - who replaced Zoteev just before half-time - wasted a glorious chance three minutes before the hour mark as the midfielder blazed over the crossbar from Khasanov’s low cross across the edge of the penalty area.
The home side continued to press for a second goal as the clocked ticked towards 90 minutes, and despite several nervous moments inside the Jordan penalty area often created by Djeparov deliveries, Uzbekistan failed to test Shafi with the visitors remaining dangerous through counterattacks.
But neither side were able to find that crucial second goal, and the tight nature of the contest continued into the first period of extra-time which was briefly interrupted due to a floodlight failure with Uzbekistan’s Ivan Nagaev and Jordan’s Odai Al Saify creating the best attacking threats.
And the second half followed suit with neither side willing to commit numbers in attack which led to a lacklustre 15 minutes and eventually penalties.
Jordan were handed an early lead in the shootout as Ahmedov missed the first spot kick for hosts after Anas Bani Yaseen had converted for the visitors.
And with the score progressing to 4-3 as all of resulting penalties were successful converted, Ahmed Hayel had a chance to win the match for Jordan but the striker failed to convert allowing Igor Sergeev to level the tie for Uzbekistan.
But after the next nine players to step up converted, Ismailov was unable to follow suit and Jordan advanced to November’s intercontinental play-off.