Azizbek Turgenbov’s last-minute header nullified Martin Boyle’s first-half penalty, securing a 1-1 draw for Uzbekistan against Australia at Al Janoub Stadium on Tuesday. Despite Boyle converting a penalty in stoppage time, awarded for a handball by Odiljon Xamrobekov, Turgenbov’s late goal in the 78th minute secured second place in the standings for Srecko Katanec’s side, while the Socceroos confirmed their status as Group B winners at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.
With the result, Australia is set to face one of the third-placed finishers in the Round of 16, while Uzbekistan is scheduled to meet the runners-up in Group F when the knockout rounds begin on Sunday.
Graham Arnold, the Socceroos coach, made five changes to the team that won 1-0 against Syria, while Katanec made four switches to the Uzbekistan lineup that defeated India, including dropping Jaloliddin Masharipov and Igor Sergeyev to the bench.
Portsmouth striker Kusini Yengi had a goal disallowed in the 11th minute due to Boyle being in an offside position during the build-up. Despite a tepid first half, Hibernian talisman Boyle converted a penalty to put Australia in front after VAR officials detected a handball by Xamrobekov inside the box while blocking Yengi’s run.
Masharipov, introduced at halftime, nearly leveled with a bending free kick, narrowly missing Maty Ryan’s left post. As the clock ticked down, Masharipov played a crucial role, providing an inviting cross from the left that Turgenbov, a substitute, rose above Behich to head home and secure a draw for Uzbekistan.
Group B’s other match on Tuesday saw Omar Khribin’s 76th minute strike earning Syria a vital 1-0 win over India, confirming the West Asians as one of the four best third-placers of the group stages as they accompany Australia and Uzbekistan into the knockouts.