Asian team creates shockwave against Croatia at World Cup

Not highly rated, Uzbekistan won a ticket to the round of 16 of the U17 World Cup taking place in Qatar.

Uzbekistan creates earthquake at U17 World Cup - Photo: AFC

Late on November 15, in the round of 32 of the U17 World Cup, Uzbekistan faced off against the strong European representative Croatia. Before the match, everyone predicted that the Asian representative would lose quickly.

Croatia has a developed football background, constantly producing quality young players. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan football is also making steady progress, but it is difficult to compare with its opponents.

But in the match of the last 32, the earthquake happened. Uzbekistan was even the team that created more dangerous opportunities. The Asian team showed their diverse attacking ability and were not afraid to compete with European players.

Asian representative (blue shirt) defeated a very strong opponent, Croatia - Photo: AFC

In the first half, Sadriddin Khasanov jumped high and headed the ball into the net to open the scoring. Croatia had to work hard to get a lucky equalizer in the 80th minute thanks to Tino Kusanovic.

In the round of 32 of the 2025 U17 World Cup, the two teams had to enter a penalty shootout right after the end of 90 minutes of official play. In the 87th minute, Uzbekistan coach Islombek Ismoilov made a bold decision to make a substitution.

He took off his best goalkeeper, Ibrokhim Shorikov, and brought on Rustajonov. This substitution was reminiscent of the Netherlands coach Louis Van Gaal at the 2014 World Cup.

And the same thing is that both the Netherlands and U17 Uzbekistan won thanks to this decision. In the penalty shootout, it was reserve goalkeeper Rustajonov who successfully blocked Croatia's shot in the 4th round, helping the home team win 4-3.

This earthquake helped Uzbekistan qualify for the round of 16. The Asian representative's next opponent will be Italy, one of the candidates for the championship this year.

DUC KHUE

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/doi-bong-chau-a-tao-dia-chan-truoc-croatia-o-world-cup-20251116100138629.htm