April 29 – In a repeat of the 2020 AFC U23 Asian Cup that saw Saudi Arabia crowned champions, Uzbekistan gained revenge with a 2-0 win that sets up a semi-final with tournament debutants Indonesia.
In the other semi-final Japan face Iraq, the winners of both semis guaranteeing a place in the final later this week and at the 2024 Olympic games in Paris in the summer. A third place at the Olympics will be decided via a play off between the two losing semi-finalists.
Uzbekistan were winners of the U23 Asian Cup in 2018 and will be confident they can go all the way.
Goals from Khusain Norchaev and Umarali Rakhmonaliev steered them past Saudi Arabia who started the tournament with two wins but since then have lost form.
Uzbekistan have won all their games and have yet to concede a goal.
But in Indonesia they have a highly motivated opponent who have broken all national records in AFC competition to get to this stage.
Indonesia advanced to the knockout stage at Australia and Jordan’s expense before stunning Korea Republic in the quarter-finals with a marathon 11-10 penalty win.
Japan recover for Iraqi challenge
To qualify for the semi-finals Japan beat hosts Qatar 4-2, but it took a gruelling extra time to achieve the win.
The Japanese, who are searching for their first final since winning the title in 2016, will welcome back central defender Ryuya Nishio who has completed a three-match suspension after a red card in Japan’s opening 1-0 win over China.
“Our previous match with Qatar was a very tough match and I’m sure the next match will be the same, but we have planned and simulated how we will play and we are prepared,” said coach Go Oiwa.
“The way we perform and the way we train is the same. We will try to defend with our entire team. There is never an easy game. Every match is tough and challenging and the game against Iraq will certainly be that. But we’ll be well prepared.”
Having lost their opening game against Thailand, the Iraqis have bounced back with three wins in a row after losing their opening match of the tournament against Thailand to reach the semi-finals.
They will be without captain Muntadher Mohammed, who is suspended after picking up his second yellow against the Vietnamese.
Nevertheless coach Radhi Shenaishil is confident: “We have had stability in the line-up since the beginning. There’s harmony between the players who have started the competition. It will be tough to find someone to replace him but I’m sure whoever substitutes him will do his best.”
Monday
Indonesia v Uzbekistan
Venue: Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium (Doha)
Kick-off: 17:00
Japan v Iraq
Venue: Jassim Bin hamad Stadium (Doha)
Kick-off: 20:30
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