Iraq's Mohammed revels in final qualification, Togashi laments Japan's shortcomings

Thu, 16 Mar, 2023

Iraq's Mohammed revels in final qualification, Togashi laments Japan's shortcomings

Tashkent: Head coach Emad Mohammed expressed his delight with the congratulatory message from Iraq Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani after the Lions of Mesopotamia reached the final of the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023.

Iraq emerged on top after a dramatic encounter against Japan at JAR Stadium saw Mohammed’s men take the lead on two occasions, being clawed back every time before finally winning the tie 5-3 on penalties after the 120 minutes had ended 2-2.
 
The result means Iraq return to the final for the first time since 2012 and are set to face hosts Uzbekistan who defeated Korea Republic on penalties too.

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Iraq's Jasim remains humble after his display impresses Togashi

Thu, 16 Mar, 2023

Iraq's Jasim remains humble after his display impresses Togashi

Tashkent: Iraq winger Ali Jasim remained humble even as his man-of-the-match display helped his team reach the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 final, beating Japan 5-3 on penalties after the two teams drew 2-2 over 120 minutes at JAR Stadium on Wednesday.

Jasim was a constant menace to the Japanese defence throughout the game, opening the scoring with a well-taken header after 12 minutes, then setting up Mohammed Jameel to sweep home Iraq’s second in the first half of extra time.
 
The two goals were cancelled out by Takatora Einaga and Naoki Kumata, allowing the Samurai Blue to force a penalty shootout that was eventually won by the Lions of Mesopotamia after Kodai Sano’s spot-kick was saved by goalkeeper Hussein Hassan.

Khaydarov: Uzbekistan's victory well deserved

Thu, 16 Mar, 2023

Khaydarov: Uzbekistan's victory well deserved

Tashkent: Uzbekistan head coach Ravshan Khaydarov believes it was “logical” that his team advanced to Saturday’s  final of the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 after dominating their semi-final meeting with Korea Republic at Bunyodkor Stadium on Wednesday.

The hosts were on top for much of the scoreless 120 minutes played out in front of almost 34,000 fans with Uzbekistan eventually prevailing 3-1 in a penalty shoot-out as goalkeeper Otobek Boymurodov saved three Korean penalties to take his nation into the final.

Pressure derailed Korea Republic, admits Kim

Thu, 16 Mar, 2023

Pressure derailed Korea Republic, admits Kim

Tashkent: Korea Republic head coach Kim Eun-jung admitted the pressure from the sold-out crowd at Bunyodkor Stadium took its toll on his young players in the shootout as Uzbekistan advanced to Saturday’s AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 final with a 3-1 win on penalties on Wednesday.

Kang Seong-jin, Kang Sang-yoon and Kim Ji-soo all saw their attempts saved by Uzbekistan goalkeeper Otobek Boymurodov after the teams had played out a goalless 120 minutes in front of almost 34,000 fans to take the hosts into the tournament decider against Iraq.