AFC Asian Cup - Uzbekistan 2 Oman 1 - Match Report
Eldor Shomurodov comes off the bench to hand Uzbekistan a 2-1 win over Oman
Mitch Freeley
Eldor Shomurodov scored two minutes after coming on as a substitute to earn Uzbekistan a 2-1 win over Oman in their Group F opener at the 2019 Asian Cup and give Hector Cuper a victory in his first competitive match in charge.
Odil Ahmedov's curling first-half free-kick broke the deadlock at Sharjah Stadium and Uzbekistan were indebted to goalkeeper Ignatiy Nesterov who made a string of saves to keep them ahead.
With victory in sight, Uzbekistan were undone by a fast Oman break that saw substitute Muhsen Al Ghassani score to pull his side level in the 72nd minute.
But Shomurodov caught the Gulf Cup champions napping when he snatched possession and scored five minutes from time to get Uzbekistan off to a winning start despite Egor Krimets' late dismissal.
A foul on Marat Bikmaev just outside the box gave Ahmedov the chance to line up a set-piece and he seized it, bending a powerful low shot around Oman's defensive wall and into the bottom-right corner of the net.
Nesterov made a superb stop to deny Mohammed Al-Musallami on the stroke of half-time, getting down quickly to block the defender's volley with his legs, and Oman continued to push for an equaliser throughout a frenetic second half.
Pim Verbeek sent on Muhsen Al Ghassani and five minutes later he latched onto Ali Al-Busaidi's weighted pass, took a touch with his right foot and scored clinically with his left, sliding the ball under the on-rushing Nesterov's body.
Oman goalkeeper Faiyz Al Rusheidi, who was a late call-up to the squad, blocked Dostonbek Khamdamov's fierce volley but disaster struck for Oman with five minutes left to play.
Shomurodov burst into the box and tried a left-footed shot that Al Rusheidi got a hand to but failed to keep out as he was beaten at his near post and, though Krimets was shown a straight red card for a foul on Al Ghassani, Cuper's men joined Japan in taking maximum points in their first Group F match.
Goals
Goal! Uzbekistan score late on! Shomurodov's shot from a tight angle squirms in! Gutting for Oman!
Goal! Oman level! Substitute Muhsen Al Ghassani rounds the keeper to put the GCC Champs level!
Goal! What a strike from captain Odil Ahmedov, a fantastic free-kick that arrows into the bottom corner! Uzbekistan take the lead!
Live Updates
Preamble
Stern vibes from both coaches ahead of the game!
Can you guess what both managers are thinking ahead of their clash? 🤔 #AsianCup2019 pic.twitter.com/AHLaUSdjoL — #AsianCup2019 (@afcasiancup) January 9, 2019
Uzbekistan bringing the fire in the fancy dress stakes!
Amazing effort invested in those fans' costumes 👏😆 #AsianCup2019 pic.twitter.com/3Z1ekXydaN — #AsianCup2019 (@afcasiancup) January 9, 2019
Great to see Juan Mata wishing all the clubs well in the Asian Cup. I bet he's a secret Oman fan.
24 nations in #AsianCup2019 receive support from @ManUtd and @juanmata8 who are currently in 🇦🇪 for a training camp! pic.twitter.com/Iuo3u7vxb7 — #AsianCup2019 (@afcasiancup) January 9, 2019
We have team news! Uzbekistan has selected former El Jaish player Sardor Rashidov. He will play alongside Odil Ahmedov in midfield. As for Oman. Ahmed Kano is set to anchor a three-man midfield, look out for Raed Saleh, he currently plays in Malta for Valletta FC.
📝 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan 🆚 Oman 🇴🇲
Here's how both sides lineup for today's group F clash 💥#AsianCup2019 pic.twitter.com/6EwsXZB6Eq — #AsianCup2019 (@afcasiancup) January 9, 2019
This fan is cheering on Uzbekistan! The central Asian nation went to the quarterfinals in the 2015 tournament in Australia
Hope Uzbekistan can grind out a result today against Oman, mon the Uzbekistan 🇺🇿 — arran (@connery_arran) January 9, 2019
The Oman fans are out in force! They'll be confident of getting a result against an Uzbekistan side who have stuttered in recent outings!
من توافد الجمهور العماني إلى استاد نادي الشارقة لمساندة المنتخب الوطني في لقاء اليوم.#سوية_للآسيوية #كأس_آسيا2019 pic.twitter.com/09ul8mPN0F — OFA - Official Page (@OmanFA) January 9, 2019
Good afternoon! Welcome to the Live Updates of Uzbekistan Vs Oman in the 2019 Asian Cup! The GCC champions get their campaign underway against an Uzbekistan side managed by former Egypt boss Hector Cuper. Join me for all the build-up from the Al-Sharjah Stadium including the latest team news, Live Match Commentary and the goals as they go in!
