Uzbekistan U-17 have undoubtly created the shock of the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup after they had beaten favorites England U-17 2-1 in Wednesday’s round of 16 match at the Jakarta International Stadium.
With hosts Indonesia and fellow Asian hopefuls South Korea, Japan, and Iran already out of the U-17 World Cup, Uzbekistan became the continent’s only hope in achieving something in the competition. But the Central Asians won’t have it the easy way – standing between them and the quarterfinal is an England side featuring players who had turned out for the academies of renowned teams such as Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Southampton, West Ham United, and Arsenal.
However, as if being willed on by the entire continent, Uzbekistan stunned their opponents in the fourth minute. A Lazizbek Mirzaev shot that was improperly deflected by England goalkeeper Tommy Setford was lapped up by Amirbek Saidov, who managed to outmuscle his defenders and smack in the opening goal.
The Young Three Lions pushed forward for an equalizer, before they finally found their breakthrough in the 36th minute. A Chris Rigg through pass was struck calmly by Joel Ndala, with the shot leaving Uzbekistan goalie Muhammadyusuf Sobirov completely helpless.
Bunyodkor youngster Sobirov dusted himself from that setback and held firm to ward off England’s incoming attacks. The goalie denied Matty Warhurst’s 41st minute effort, before Sam Amo-Ameyaw was to be denied in the 63rd minute.
With England constantly pressing the Uzbeks, out of nowhere the Central Asians regained the lead in the 67th minute. A sublime free-kick from Mirzaev easily bent its way around the England wall before finding its way into Setford’s goal.
2017 U-17 World Cup champions England tried their hardest in seeking an equalizer, however no further goals were scored and Uzbekistan were through to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2011. They will face France on November 25th at the Manahan Stadium in Solo, however Uzbekistan will have to play the match without head coach Jamoliddin Rakhmatullaev who was sent-off after kicking away the ball from the technical area when the England players were about to put it back into play.