Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
The Australian national team was held by Uzbekistan 1-1 in the final Group B match of the 2023 Asian Cup at Al Janoub Stadium, Tuesday (23/1). This result means Australia remains the winner of Group B.
Australia dominated the game from the start. The team coached by Graham Arnold pressed intensively on the Uzbekistan defense. It’s just that The Socceroos have difficulty scoring goals.
In the 11th minute striker Kusini Yengi was able to break into Uzbekistan’s goal with a header. It’s just that the goal was invalid because Yengi was in an offside position before heading.
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Uzbekistan did not remain silent. On several occasions Uzbekistan was able to attack the opponent’s defense line, but Australia defended solidly.
As the first half approached, Australia had a chance to score after being awarded a penalty by referee Yusuke Araki in the 45th minute. Australia received this penalty after Odiljon Hamrobekov was deemed to have handball in the forbidden box.
Martin Callie Boyle, who was Australia’s penalty taker, successfully carried out his duties perfectly in the 45+1 minute.
Boyle’s shot to the bottom left of the Uzbekistan goal outwitted goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov who moved to the right.
Umar Eshumurodov scored a goal to equalize with a header after taking advantage of a free kick from the left side in the 60th minute. However, the goal was disallowed because Umar Eshumurodov was deemed offside.
Uzbekistan’s fierce resistance paid off in the 78th minute after substitute Azizbek Turg’unboyev found the net against Matt Ryan. Azizbek headed Masharipov’s pass well.
Without additional goals scored, Australia vs Uzbekistan drew 1-1. With one point from Uzbekistan, Australia still qualified for the last 16 of the 2023 Asian Cup with Group B champion status after collecting seven points. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan also qualified for the last 16 as group runner-up with five points.
(sry/jal)