Group A: Uzbekistan 3-3 Netherlands

While an opening win eluded the hosts, the remarkable fightback will serve as a morale booster for their tie against Paraguay on Tuesday, with the Netherlands to face Costa Rica.

Paraguay defeated Costa Rica 5-2 earlier on Saturday.
Uzbekistan tried to take charge at the start of the contest with Ikhtiyor Ropiev threatening inside the opening minute before Abbos Elmurodov’s had an attempt of his own.

The hosts, however, fell behind in the fourth minute after keeper Abbos Elmurodov gave away possession cheaply inside the Netherlands’ half, allowing Tevfik Ceyar to strike the ball into an unattended goalmouth.

Uzbekistan nearly equalised in the 11th minute when Ropiev’s long-range effort forced a fine save from Netherlands goalkeeper Manuel Kuijk.

Backed by their fans, Uzbekistan threatened again and their initiative was rewarded in the 16th minute after Elbek Tulkinov’s powerful drive from distance forced Kuijk to concede a corner which led to the equaliser.

Ilhomjon Hamroev delivered the perfect cross, finding Tulkinov who volleyed into the back of the net.

Uzbekistan should have doubled their lead moments later when Abror Akhmetzyanov did well to find space on the left but his grounded effort missed the right post by a whisker.

Uzbekistan started the second half in aggressive mode with a series of attacking plays with Ropiev and Tulkinov leading their charges.

Netherlands, however, responded in kind and were awarded a penalty following Fazliddin Botirov’s foul on Said Bouzambou with Ismail Ouaddouh converting from the spot in the 28th minute.

Uzbekistan’s joy was unfortunately short lived as the Netherlands retook the lead a minute later with Ouaddouh netting his second of the evening after rifling his effort into the top right corner.

That led to Uzbekistan activating the power play with just a minute left in the game and it paid off handsomely as a fine team ended with Ropiev finishing slotting home from close range.