Despite falling short of a three-game sweep, the Socceroos clinch top spot in the group.
Australia drew 1-1 with Uzbekistan in the second match of Group B at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Qatar Asian Cup 2023 at Al Janub Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar at 2:30 p.m. (local time) on Wednesday. Australia remained in first place, while Uzbekistan moved to second.
[Starting lineups].
Australia started with Ryan, Behich, Rowles, Sauter, Atkinson, Irvin, Bacchus, McGree, Voss, Yengi, and Boyle. Uzbekistan started Yusupov, Saipiev, Ashumatov, Esimuradov, Abdullaev, Abdurakhmatov, Fayzullaev, Hamrovekov, Sukurov, Erkinov, and Urunov.
Australia, who had clinched the tournament early with wins over India and Syria, came out a little flat. Uzbekistan were also in a comfortable position, having drawn with Syria and thrashed India 3-0, but with the game also deciding the top spot in the group, it was going to be an intense encounter.
Australia looked to score with their trademark lateral play and straight crosses. Uzbekistan responded by attacking aggressively. In the 27th minute, Australia’s McGree shot went wide. Australia continued to push for a goal. In the 42nd minute, McGree had a shot on goal that went wide. In the 45th minute, Hamrovecov was fouled and a penalty kick was awarded. Boyle stepped up to take the spot kick for Australia.
Boyle converted to give Australia a 1-0 lead. The Aussies continued to attack in the first half of extra time. In the sixth minute of first-half stoppage time, Voss fired a shot that went wide of the goal. Just before halftime, Yengi’s header also went wide. The first half ended with Australia leading 1-0.
At the start of the second half, Uzbekistan put Masharipov through. Uzbekistan focused on attacking and in the sixth minute of the second half, Masharipov had a good shot on goal, but it didn’t go in. In the ninth minute of the second half, Masharipov also sent a shot, but again, it was not on target. Uzbekistan added Sergeyev and Turgunbaev in the 19th minute of the second half. Australia made an attacking change in the 27th minute when they brought on Matt Cuff.
The Uzbek substitution paid off. In the 34th minute, Masharipov sent in a cross that Turgunbaev finished with a header. Australia added O’Neill and Fornaroli in the 39th minute, while Uzbekistan brought on Iskanderov. Australia brought on Tilio and Miller for a last-ditch effort. The score remained 1-1 until Sauter missed a great chance in the sixth minute of stoppage time.