Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Doha: Moon Chang-jin scored a goal in each half as Korea Republic edged out 10-man Uzbekistan 2-1 on Wednesday to make a winning start to Group C at the AFC U23 Championship.
Pohang Steelers midfielder Moon netted a 20th minute penalty to open the scoring at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium before doubling the South Koreans’ lead with a close-range finish at the start of the second half.
And despite AFC Youth Player of the Year Dostonbek Khamdamov reducing the deficit for Uzbekistan just before the hour mark, a red card for defender Jamshid Boltaboev with just under 20 minutes remaining saw Korea Republic hold onto their advantage to join Iraq at the top of Group C after the defending champions earlier recorded a 2-0 win over Yemen.
“It was the first match for the team and it was a very tough match, and a very good match in this context. I am also satisfied with a 2-1 win and I thank the players for their effort and professionalism,” said Korea Republic coach Shin Tae-yong.
“We conceded following a mistake by the midfield, but even with this mistake we beat Uzbekistan and I am satisfied with the defence, however, these small mistakes can change a game and small mistakes may cause the loss of a goal so we need to be careful.”
Korea Republic started the contest at a fast pace and both Jin Seong-uk and Hwang Hee-chan had chances inside the opening six minutes.
And Shin’s side was rewarded for the early pressure in the 20th minute when Moon confidently converted from the penalty spot after the striker’s attempted cross from the left was adjudged to have been handled by a sliding Otabek Shukurov.
The East Asians continued to pour forward at will as the half progressed, although Uzbekistan did start to finally come into the contest towards the end of the first half.
But Korea Republic did not wait long after the restart to double their lead as Moon was on hand to sweep home high into the net from a tight angle at the far post from Hwang’s pull back across the face of goal.
Uzbekistan, though, found a quick response as Khamdamov squeezed a low skidding shot from the edge of the area past the dive of keeper Kim Dong-jun and the post three minutes before the hour mark.
A far more open contest ensued after the goal with both sides knowing the next goal would be crucial, but with 19 minutes remaining Uzbekistan’s chances were dealt a blow as Boltaboev was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Lee Chang-min in the centre circle.
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“We had a pretty good match, but unfortunately we lost,” said Uzbekistan coach Samvel Babayan.
“I think we did not play well in attack where you need to be creative. I think we will analyse this game and we will learn from this match.
“The next game is important and we will look to improve, especially in attack, while I also think we have some problems in defence and we need to be careful.”
Photo: Lagardère Sports
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