AsianCup2023 | Round Of 16 : Uzbekistan 2 - 1 Thailand

Uzbekistan and Thailand face off against each other in the Al Janoub Stadium with a place in the quarterfinals of the Asian Cup up for grabs. Uzbekistan finished second in Group B with two draws and a win, securing automatic qualification for the last 16 stage, while it was the same story for Thailand in Group F, who come into this match as the only team still in the tournament yet to concede a single goal. Srecko Katanets is without the injured Sergeyev today, while captain Otovek Shkurov is also unavailable. Masatada Ishii welcomes back team captain Tiroton Bulmatan, who returns from suspension, while the rest of the A-team are also back in business after a completely changed side took to the pitch against Saudi Arabia last time out. It's been a really, really strong start here from Uzbekistan. The White Wolves creating chances and really putting this stubborn Thai defence to the sword. Really good opportunity there, but just couldn't find the finish. Udinov, great ball from Masharipov to pick him out. You feel the breakthrough is coming. It's been all Uzbekistan. The White Wolves looked ferocious going forward. No foul. Play continues. And Uzbekistan really finding the breakthrough. Again, it's Oston Udinov. Midfielder, 20 minutes gone. It's been one-way traffic in the Al-Janoub Stadium. Masharipov with a shot from distance. Passiwak, come on, pulled into action. Really good save, gets down early, parries it around the outside of the post. Sixth minute of play here. Lovely ball, great control and what a goal that is by Turkumbayev. Khamotov picks him out, still had work to do. Puts it through the keeper's legs after lovely chest control to bring it down. Uzbekistan, the first team to score against Thailand in Qatar. Could there be a second before the break? A throw Uzbekistan, the performance would deserve it, to be fair. Love from Khamotov, great technique. Just didn't have quite enough bend or dip to find that top corner. So Uzbekistan with a one-goal cushion at the break. Thailand need a reaction. Much better second half from them so far. And they have their equaliser. It's the substitute, Superchok Sadasha. And what a goal. Picks that bottom right corner out beautifully. Look at the bend on that effort. Uzbekistan will feel hard done, but after their first-half performance on level terms, back in the lead-up, great solo effort there from Faizullahyev. Back to goal as the ball comes in from Mashadipov. He's able to turn through the legs and into the bottom corner. Well, this could be Thailand's last chance to try and salvage something. Keep their hopes alive. Not far away, Elias Dola with the header. Bumrata with the delivery, but just over the crossbar. And that will be all, she wrote. Uzbekistan move on to the quarterfinals for the fifth time in the country's Asian Cup history, showing character and creativity to not once but twice find a way past Thailand's stubborn defence and secure the win. The war elephants bid farewell to the tournament in Qatar, but will be remembered for their passion, resilience and never-say-die attitude.