Asian Cup 2019: Mat Ryan leads Australia to quarter-finals with shootout win over gritty Uzbekistan

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  • Australia were made to work hard against Uzbekistan for their spot in the final eight at the Asian Cup in the UAE.

    A closely contested encounter was tied at 0-0 after extra-time in Al Ain on Monday before the defending champions held their nerve in the penalty shootout.

    Brighton custodian Mat Ryan grabbed the headlines with two excellent saves to deny second half Uzbeki substitutes Azizbek Turgunboev and Marat Bikmaev from 12 yards out.

    A 4-2 shootout victory extends Australia’s title defence into the quarter-finals.

    WHITE WOLVES SHOW BITE

    Australia met Uzbekistan on three occasions prior to Monday’s encounter and were victorious each time. In fact, they trounced them 6-0 in their last Asian Cup clash, a 2011 semi-final.

    However, it’s safe to say the defending champions met their match when confronted by the current Uzbek contingent at Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium. Despite the reputation of the Socceroos, they haven’t been wholly impressive in the UAE, even losing their opener to Jordan, while Uzbekistan have been one of the tournament’s more exciting outfits.

    You could even argue that the White Wolves were the slightly more fancied team ahead of kick-off and they played like it during the first half. Australia monopolised possession in spells but overall, play evened out.

    They were compact in their 4-4-2 shape and in the first half were far more creative on the ball than their counterparts. Australia weren’t afforded a clear sight of goal in the opening 45 and were kept at bay in the second period thanks to the organisation of Hector Cuper’s troops who posed a significant attacking threat of their own.

    Uzbekistan impress.

    Uzbekistan impress.

    MARK OF CHAMPIONS

    At half-time it was Uzbekistan who seemed the more likely to score and win the game but Australia proved their mettle in the second, rallying to dominate proceedings and test their opponents’ resistance.

    They took control of possession again but this time, created several opportunities in front of goal and forced Ignatiy Nesterov into a couple of fine saves.

    The Socceroos were more positive on the ball and took risks, running at the Uzbeki defence and forcing them to commit to challenges.

    They haven’t always shown that side of their game during this tournament but proved that they can turn it on when they need to. Holding their nerve in the shootout was further evidence of their strong mentality with Ryan epitomising that between the sticks.

    Mat Ryan

    Mat Ryan shone for the Aussies.

    ROGIC WILL BE MISSED

    Tom Rogic knew 20 minutes into the game that he would miss the quarter-final should Australia make it through but that didn’t stop him from leading his side’s onslaught.

    The Celtic attacking midfielder picked up a booking for a foul on Jaloliddin Masharipov but was crucial to Australia’s play in the second half.

    His driving runs from midfield helped carve out openings on numerous occasions and Jamie Maclaren should hve scored when he played him in 20 minutes from time before he went close with a shot from range himself.

    Australia will no doubt miss his attacking influence in the quarter-finals but can take solace in Mathew Leckie’s return; he looked sharp off the bench.

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