Thailand’s defense, which did not concede a single goal in the group stage, had to endure 10 shots from Uzbekistan in the first half alone.

Thailand rose strongly in the second half with Supachok Sarachat’s equalizer in the 58th minute, but Uzbekistan regained the lead just seven minutes later.

Azizbek Turgunboev (white) passed Theerathon Bunmathan and finished to open the score for Uzbekistan, at Al Janoub Stadium, Qatar on January 30.

Thailand only defended well in the first 15 minutes when the defenders kept their distance and exploited well.

Uzbekistan’s pressure materialized in the 37th minute. Kholmetov passed a long ball to Turgunboev, went behind Bunmathan, controlled the ball, and scored a goal.

Bunmathan’s mistake came on the day he played his 101st match for the team, surpassing Tawan Sripan to become the third most capped player for Thailand, only behind Kiatisuk and Teerasil Dangda.

hl 2-1

Main developments in the Uzbekistan – Thailand match on January 30.

Uzbekistan shows that they are still better in class.

Continuing to be behind, Thailand was forced to raise their squad, while Uzbekistan proactively played slowly to preserve the score.

Uzbekistan won 2-1 on aggregate and entered the quarterfinals of the Asian Cup for the fifth time, meeting Qatar.

Squad

Uzbekistan: Yusupov, Khusanov, Eshmurodov, Ashurmatov, Hamrobekov, Holmatov, Sayfiyev, Fayzullayev (Bontaboyev 90+1), Turgunboev (Abdirahmatov 82), Masharipov (Iskanderov 82), Urunov (Erkinov 67).

Thailand: Khammai, Hemviboon, Mickelson, Dolah, Bunmathan, Yooyen (Chamrasamee, 82), Pomphun (Autra 82), Rungrath (Suphanat 46), Pathompol (Supachok 46), Worachit (Promsrikaew 73), Supachai.

See key developments