AFC Asian Cup 2023: Fayzullaev's brilliance helps Uzbekistan to march into quarter-finals

Uzbekistan became the one and only team to score against Thailand in this AFC Asian Cup edition.

Uzbekistan continued their inspired run at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Thailand in the Round of 16 clash at the Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah on Tuesday (30 January). In doing so, the White Wolves became not only the first team to defeat Thailand in the competition, but also the one (and only) team to score against them.

Uzbekistan, on a high after going unbeaten in their group, came out looking the more positive side from the get-go. The early exchanges of the match were a bit of a case of both teams scrapping it out in the middle of the park, but the White Wolves took control with some smart counter-pressing and the ability to cut out Thailand’s moves before they could trouble.

Oston Urunov threatened by getting a few shots away from the final third before the half-hour mark, causing Thailand goalkeeper Patiwat Khammai to work on his attempts. However, Uzbekistan finally breached the Thailand backline, becoming the first team to do so in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, with a well-worked move.

A cross from midfielder Diyor Khalmotov was played to the back-post, where Thailand defender Theerathon Bunmathan missed his clearance and allowed the ball to be played to Azizbek Turgunboev – who smashed a volley into the back of the net to give his side a 37th-minute lead.

Khalmatov nearly produced another moment of brilliance six minutes later, gliding his way outside the box before his cheeky curling shot brazed just wide of the post. Uzbekistan headed into the break in full control, not allowing Thailand a sniff at their goal in the first half.

However, the Thailand side changed their approach after an inspired pep-talk from Mashatadi Ishii – who improved the pace and intensity of his side’s attacking style by making two half-time changes in bringing on Suphanat Muneanta and Supachok Sarachat. It was the latter that ended up making the difference.

Thailand pushed Uzbekistan back by showing more courage with their slick passing moves and pushing more players forward into the opposition’s half. The trick worked, thanks to the brilliance of Supachok in the 58th minute, who played a nice little one-two with Supachai Chaided before superbly powering a shot into the bottom corner. Thailand finally had some life.

However, just as they gained momentum in the game, Ishii’s side dropped their intensity and went back into a bit of a shell in an attempt to preserve the scoreline. It ended up costing them. Uzbekistan didn’t focus too much on sending crosses into the box, knowing how many figures were on the opposition box.

They worked their way into the final third with clever runs and it again took a moment of individual brilliance to put them back in the lead in the 65th minute. It was their young winger Abbosbek Fayzullaev, who had scored against India in the group stages too, who made the difference. The youngster moved into a central position, went past his man to find some space just outside the box before drilling a low shot past Khammai’s reach to make it 2-1.

Thailand tried their best to force another equalizer after that. They did trouble the White Wolves with their smart set-pieces, but the closest they came was in additional time when Elias Dolah’s header just went over the bar. After a few late half-chances, including a late free-kick easily collected by Uzbek goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov, Thailand just seemed to run out of ideas.

The White Wolves held on with resolve to snatch a gritty win, becoming the first side to defeat Thailand in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup and also knock them out. They have booked a quarter-final clash against hosts Qatar, which will take place on Saturday (February 3).

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