Uzbekistan delivered a frightening and absolutely sensational performance as they hammered Singapore 7-3. The fourth Uzbek goal was top-class:
Here are some quick thoughts on the game:
- For the first 30 minutes, Singapore showed absolute dogged determination against their technically superior opponents and came back to equalise twice after being down. Towards the end of the first half, the class of the Uzbeks shown through as they hammered in three classy goals in the final 15 minutes to go in 5-2 up at the break.
- Australia was recently held goalless by Singapore while in 2007, with basically a full strength team, the Socceroos secured a 3-0 victory. In those 180 minutes, Australia failed to create nearly as many chances as Uzbekistan did in this game. They repeatedly cut Singapore to pieces, mainly through the centre of the defence.
- The Uzbeks’ short passing around the opposition box, movement of players off the ball as well as a general willingness to take on and beat their man are all things that Australia might need to content with. In all honesty, they created enough chances to score a dozen goals. If the Iraqi midfielders looked talented, these guys looked another class above.
- Of course, the Singapore defence had a shocker. Their keeper even allowed a corner to float in over his head and into the goal. A few of the goals were no doubt due to poor defending but most were gained through constant pressure as well as technical brilliance and imaginative play. The Singapore defenders eventually stopped making challenges which was a consequence of being repeatedly beaten by the opposition. Even when they were defending on the edge of their area, they stood off which gave the Uzbek midfielders ample room to pick passes and slide balls between players.
- This game showed the depth of Asian football which is deeper and stronger than what I initially thought it was. Uzbekistan isn’t even the favourites in group 4 as the Saudis are. Having racked up three straight wins and 11 goals, and basically having secured their place in the second stage, the Uzbeks will be very formidable for any opponent.
- Being in the AFC will expose Australia to a very diverse range of opponents. There are teams renowned for the technical quality of the players such as Japan and Korea. There are highly ranked nations from the Middle East as Iraq and Saudi Arabia and then there is the distinctly European Uzbekistan.
Else Where in Asia
The standings can be found here.
Group 1: Qatar was held to a nil all draw a home to China. The result means that Iraq is still in the running, despite collecting just one point so far, as they still have two home games remaining. Australia seats on top of the group, 3 points clear of Qatar.
Group 2: Bahrain beat Thailand away and with 9 points on the board, they should be through to the next stage. Asia’s highest ranked nation, Japan cruised to a 3-0 victory at home to Oman and should comfortable join Bahrain in the next stage.
Group 3: South and North Korea seat atop of this group with 5 points each. South Korea was held to a 2 all draw against Jordan at home despite leading 1-0 into the break. North Korea was held to a nil all draw away to minnows Turkmenistan. With Jordan still have two home games up their sleave, including a game against Turkmenistan, and only a point behind the two Koreas, anything could happen in this group.
Groups 4: The Uzbeks are cruising into the next stage with three straight wins. The Saudis are three points behind and should comfortably move into the next stage too.
Group 5: This group is still wide open with the UAE and Syria tied on 5 points at the top with Asian powerhouse Iran behind with 3 points. Iran was held to a nil all draw by the UAE while Syria beat Kuwait 1-0 at home. Iran has to travel to both Syria and the UAE in the next two games and these two away legs should see the first big casualty in this stage of qualifying.
