The last meeting between the two sides saw Uzbekistan run out 5-3 winners in the 2010 edition and the Central Asian team took control of possession right from the start. 

 

Khusniddin Nishonov threatened in the first minute, finding space on the right flank but his powerful shot took a deflection off Giovenali’s arm, with the referee ruling out a penalty with the assistance of Video Support (VS).

Dilshod Rakhmatov then tried to test the Australian goalkeeper from distance when he fired from an acute angle but Domenic Badolato stayed calm under pressure as the ball sailed past the right post.

 

Uzbekistan continued to dominate but despite having the lion’s share of possession, the Central Asian side were unable to break down the Australian defence. 

Instead, it was Australia who broke the deadlock in the sixth minute, with Grant Lynch holding the ball well on the left flank before teeing up Ethan De Melo, who threaded the ball to Giovenali at the top of the arc who struck the ball into the roof of the net on the turn.

 

A stung Uzbekistan increased the pressure but Badolato stayed firm to keep Australia ahead going into the break.

Uzbekistan started the second half with purpose and Usmonov only needed a minute to find the back of the net.

 

Goalkeeper Abbos Elmurodov started the move when he played the ball to Sunatulla Juraev, who set up the unmarked Usmonov to slot his shot past a diving Badolato.

The goal left Australia stunned and they conceded again a minute later when Rakhmatov dispossessed Tyler Garner in his own half, before rounding off Badolato to give Uzbekistan the lead.