Starring role delights Uzbekistan's Jasurbek Yakhshiboev

Jasurbek Yakhshiboev expressed delight after Uzbekistan beat 2016 champions Japan on Friday to secure a spot in the AFC U23 Championship China 2018 semi-finals.

Uzbekistan enjoyed a three-goal advantage in the first half, and Yakhshiboev secured the win with his second of the match in the 47th minute to knock the young Samurai Blue out of the tournament with a 4-0 win.

Japan and Qatar were the only teams to progress from the group stage with a perfect record, and going into the quarter-final tie, the 20-year-old midfielder was more than aware of the task that lay ahead for Uzbekistan.

“We know that Japan are a very good team, we have played against them a few times, but going into the match, we knew it was an important one,” said Yakhshiboev.

“So we tried our very best to win.”

The White Wolves have already made tournament history by sealing their first appearance in the final four, and while speaking to the-AFC.com, Yakhshiboev could barely contain his joy.

“I feel really happy to have scored the two goals, everyone in the team shared the happiness.

“After the match in the dressing room, everyone was celebrating and we were really happy.

His performance on the pitch has not gone unnoticed and head coach Ravshan Khaydarov is certain this is just the beginning for Yakhshiboev.

“Yakhshiboev has a very good future, he was one of the best on the pitch.

“As a coach, I will say that he can do more than what he displayed (against Japan).”

Source: The-AFC.com

Фикрлар

Фикр қолдириш учун авторизациядан ўтинг!