Uzbekistan live up to Drulovic's expectations

Zayed Abdulla Alameri put the UAE ahead in the 13th minute after Uzbek goalkeeper Abduvakhid Nematov had already been forced to deny Khalfan Hassan Alhammadi with less than two minutes on the clock, but the defending champions rallied to record an emphatic win that sets up a semi-final meeting with Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.

“I’m very happy, it was a perfect game for us,” said Drulovic. “We won 5-1. It was very good. In the first half, in the first 15 minutes the UAE were very good.

“There was an excellent save by our goalkeeper in the second or third minute, they scored but we went to 1-1. We played very well in the first half after that. In the second half we played well and controlled the situation in the game."

“I know my players’ quality. They scored first and it was very early but we have quality and we have good players in our attack and they have the qualities to play good football.

“It was good for us. It’s important to recover physically because technically and tactically they are very good professionals and they always give their best.”

Uzbekistan’s fightback began in the 16th minute when Ilkhomjon Alijanov scored from distance and a penalty 10 minutes later, which was converted by captain Islomjon Kobilov, gave Drulovic’s side the lead for the first time.

Oybek Bozorov then thumped home Uzbekistan’s third from more than 25 yards out to ensure his side went into the break with a two-goal cushion. Goals from Jasurbek Yakshiboev and Nurillo Tukhtasinov in the final five minutes gave the 2018 winners a significant margin of victory.

“We did a good job today,” said Drulovic. “There are very good talents in Uzbekistan. They play in the top league and we have seven or eight players who were champions two years ago and their experience is important to us and they can help us in these situations.

“They know how to win the game. I’m happy. They are very good professionals and we need to be satisfied with them.”

Uzbekistan face Saudi Arabia in the last four on Wednesday knowing a win will secure qualification for the Olympic Games for the first time in the nation’s history.

“It's a very difficult game against Saudi Arabia,” said Drulovic. “We played in Dubai and we had a 2-2 draw. They played one day before us and it’s very important. They have more of a chance but it’s important for Uzbekistan. We have our dream and we have to fight for that.”