QATAR’S chances of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil suffered a setback after Uzbekistan recorded a muchneeded 1-0 win in the final round of qualifiers with Sanjar Tursonov’s superb first-half goal on Tuesday.
The 25-year old Tursunov struck after 13 minutes at the Al Sadd Stadium as Uzbekistan followed up backto- back draws against Lebanon and Korea Republic to lift themselves off the bottom of Group B
The home team struggled to crack a disciplined Uzbekistan side and suffered its second defeat of the final round campaign. It leaves Paulo Autuori’s side with four points from four games at the halfway mark in the campaign.
Speaking after an impressive victory, Mirdjalal Kasimov said, “It was good to get three important points and we must carry on with the same performance until the end of the qualifiers. We have now five points and we need to keep up the rhythm.” “I thank the players for their work and for fighting for this win especially under today’s weather conditions.
We took advantage of the chance that we had and won the match,” Kasimov said.
Kasimov thanked the Uzbekistan fans who cheered every move the players made in the match.
The visitors took the lead in spectacular fashion after 13 minutes when Tursunov met Akmal Shorakhmedov’s cross close to the penalty spot and the Russia-based midfielder swivelled and dispatched a first time volley into the bottom corner to beat Qasem Burhan.
Qatar’s best effort in the first half folied when Uzbek goalkeeper Ignatiy Nesterov was called into action to push away Lawrence Quaye’s longrange strike shot in the 15th minute, as the home side looked for an instant response after being made to pay for failing to turn their positive start into a breakthrough.
The goal brought Uzbekistan more life into the match as the game progressed and the Uzbeks came close to adding another as a neatly dispatched free-kick from captain Server Djeparov was deflected wide by Qatar striker Sebastian Soria with the ball spearing towards the far corner.
Wesam Rizik almost equalised for the host in the 45th minute, as the flicked header seemed destined for the top corner of the Uzbek net until goalkeeper Nesterov clawed the ball to safety.
Coach Autuori introduced Hamid Ismaeil and Hasan Al Haydos at half-time but for the sharp reflexes from Burhan that stopped Qatar from conceding an own at the start of the second half as a deflected cross from Shorakhmedov threatened to sneak inside the near post.
Qatar desperately pushed for a late equaliser but was unable to create any meaningful threat to the Uzbek defence line.
The Brazilian consoled himself by urging his players to forget the loss and look forward to its next match. “We have to forget today’s score and look ahead to our next match in November and work on improving our game.” “We still have a long road and I take responsibility for today’s loss and I told my players in the dressing room,” Autouri added.
It was an impressive turnout as 11, 270 spectators were seated at the 15,000 capacity stadium.
Qatar’s next match is at home to Lebanon in November.
Post a Comment
Post a Comment