Perfect strategy reason for Uzbekistan’s triumph

First half goals from Javokhir Sidikov, Jasurbek Yakhshiboev and Dostonbek Khamdamov gave Uzbekistan a comfortable lead before the break, and Yakshiboev struck again after the restart to seal a historic semi-final appearance for the White Wolves.

Khaydarov said his team were well prepared for Japan, having analysed them ahead of the game.

“In the first half, we played very well, because we knew how Japan would play with the ball and we tried to press them.

“The way we scored our first three goals was the way we planned during training.

“We followed the strategy we had prepared for Japan.”