Khaydarov: Perfect plan led to Uzbekistan realising World Cup dream

Sun, 12 Mar, 2023

Khaydarov: Perfect plan led to Uzbekistan realising World Cup dream

Tashkent: Uzbekistan head coach Ravshan Khaydarov hailed his side’s qualification for the FIFA U20 World Cup Indonesia 2023 as a “dream come true” after handing Australia a penalty shootout defeat at Bunyodkor on Saturday to advance to the semi-finals of the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023.

Adrian Segicic’s miss in the final round of spot-kicks allowed captain Umarali Rakhmonaliev to hit the winner and earn Uzbekistan a 5-4 victory after the teams had played out a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes in front of a crowd of 33,494 fans.
 
The result means Uzbekistan will join hosts Indonesia as well as Iraq and two other qualifiers as Asia’s representatives at the FIFA U20 World Cup as the country secured a spot at the Finals for the first time since 2015.

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Q-final: Penalty shootout win takes Uzbekistan through

Sun, 12 Mar, 2023

Q-final: Penalty shootout win takes Uzbekistan through

Tashkent: Uzbekistan booked their place in the semi-finals of the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 with a 5-4 penalty shootout win over Australia at Bunyodkor Stadium on Saturday with Ravshan Khaydarov’s side also securing a spot at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Indonesia later in the year.

Adrian Segicic’s penalty in the final round thumped back off the crossbar to leave Uzbekistan captain Umarali Rakhmonaliev to roll in the winning spot-kick for the home side after the game had ended in a 1-1 draw upon the completion of 120 minutes.

Gabriel Popovic had given the Australians the lead in the 76th minute before Zafarmurod Abdirakhmatov levelled three minutes later but with neither side able to score a second the game went to penalties, from where Uzbekistan advanced.

Q-final: Jasim strikes late as Iraq edge IR Iran

Sat, 11 Mar, 2023

Q-final: Jasim strikes late as Iraq edge IR Iran

Tashkent: Iraq became the first team to book their place in the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 semi-finals with a late 1-0 victory against Islamic Republic of Iran at JAR Stadium on Saturday.

The Lions of Mesopotamia also secured the first of four tickets to the FIFA U20 World Cup Indonesia 2023, returning to the global event for the first time since 2013.

Fellow university alumnus Mitoma inspires Suwama, Abu Taha welcomes Kalbouneh boost

Sat, 11 Mar, 2023

Fellow university alumnus Mitoma inspires Suwama, Abu Taha welcomes Kalbouneh boost

Tashkent: Japan defender Kosei Suwama cited Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Kaoru Mitoma as an inspirational figure as he looks to help Japan reach the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 semi-finals when the Samurai Blue take on Jordan on Sunday.

Japan topped Group D with the full nine points to set-up a clash with Group C runners-up Jordan in the quarter-finals with the winners at Lokomotiv Stadium also getting a ticket to the FIFA U20 World Cup Indonesia 2023.

The Samurai Blue last won the AFC U20 Asian Cup back in 2016 when a team featuring the likes of Ritsu Doan and Takehiro Tomiyasu beat Saudi Arabia in the final on penalties, going on to reach the Round of 16 at the U20 World Cup the following year, but for Suwama, his inspiration this tournament comes from figures with a more similar background to himself.

Pressure-free China PR ready to shine, says Yang

Sat, 11 Mar, 2023

Pressure-free China PR ready to shine, says Yang

Tashkent: China PR defender Yang Minjie believes he and his teammates will go into their quarter-final clash with Korea Republic at the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 with the freedom to perform having already exceeded expectations by progressing beyond the group phase.

The Chinese are appearing in the knockout rounds for the first time since 2014 after a 1-1 draw with Krygyz Republic in their final Group D game took Antonio Puche’s side into the quarter-finals, and one step from a first FIFA U20 World Cup qualification since 2005.
 
But, even though there is a place at this year’s edition of the FIFA U20 World Cup in Indonesia on the line when the game kicks off at JAR Stadium on Sunday, Yang says there will be no pressure on the Chinese.