Uzbekistan advance to the quarter-finals in the AFC U23 Championship Thailand 2020

Beaten by a brace from striker Oh Se-hun, Uzbekistan nevertheless marched into the last eight on goal difference after nearest rivals Islamic Republic of Iran could only beat China PR 1-0 in the group’s other game.

The result saw Uzbekistan finish second in Group B, while Korea Republic claimed top spot following three successive victories.

On a warm and sultry evening at the Thammasat Stadium, Korea Republic wasted little time in taking the lead, Jeong Seung-won’s powerful drive from 25 yards taking a deflection off Oh before finding the net on five minutes.

Somewhat against the run of play, Uzbekistan drew level in the 21st minute when Bobir Abdixolikov’s header from a pinpoint Azizjon Ganiev cross looped over goalkeeper Song Beom-keun and into the net.

Not to be outdone, Korea Republic – for who Won was excelling in midfield – replied through an impressive Um effort, which curled narrowly wide of the target moments later.

One was, however, to become two for Korea Republic with 19 minutes remaining, Oh turning superbly and rasping a drive beyond Abduvakhid Nematov’s despairing dive.