With the group stage of the AFC Asian Cup 2019 now done and dusted, we turn our attention towards the round of 16. Australia as contender this cup must be defend this title eventually.
The fifth knockout phase match of the tournament is between defending champions Australia and Uzbekistan. Here’s how the two sides might line up tonight.
AUSTRALIA (4-2-3-1).
Goalkeeper: Mat Ryan
Defenders: Rhyan Grant, Milos Degenek, Trent Sainsbury, Aziz Behich
Midfielders: Jackson Irvine, Mark Milligan, Awer Mabil, Tomas Rogic, Chris Ikonomidis
Forward: Jamie Maclaren
Awer Mabil – the former refugee who’s battled racist abuse to make his dreams come true at the AFC Asian Cup for Australia
UZBEKISTAN (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Ignatiy Nesterov
Defenders: Davron Khashimov, Egor Krimets, Islom Tukhtakhujaev, Farrukh Sayfiev
Midfielders: Otabek Shukurov, Fozil Musaev, Javokhir Sidikov
Forwards: Dostonbek Khamdamov, Eldor Shomurodov, Ikromjon Alibaev
LIVE STREAMING UZBEKISTAN VS AUSTRALIA 21.1.2019.
Uzbekistan ‘maybe can win tournament’ says coach Cuper ahead of Australia tie
An eventful Day 14 saw Vietnam, China PR, and IR Iran make it through to the Quarterfinals of the AFC Asian Cup. And now, six more teams will go up against each other today, January 21, in a bid to book their spot in the next round.
Two teams bidding for the same are Australia and Uzbekistan.
The Socceroos got off to a terrible start after they lost their opening match to surprise-package Jordan. However, they recovered in their subsequent matches, eventually making it to the knockout stages.
Meanwhile, one team which has put on some brilliant displays is Uzbekistan. The Central Asian giants got off to a good start by beating Oman 2-1, before thrashing Turkmenistan by four goals. However, a loss to Japan in their final match saw them finish second in the group.
The two now go head-to-head in order to book their spot in the Quarterfinals. You can follow the LIVE Match Blog here:
Reigning champions Australia will face a tough challenge from Uzbekistan in the Round of 16 of the AFC Asian Cup 2019 at Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain on Monday.
Graham Arnold’s Socceroos haven’t been the most impressive sides in the tournament so far scraping through to the knockout stages after finishing second in their group behind Jordan. They will now face Uzbekistan who have looked one of the most exciting teams in the tournament so far.
But first, let’s take a look at the five key facts around the game.
1) When Australia put Uzbekistan to the sword
Australia and Uzbekistan have met once before in the Asian Cup.
But that meeting did not go down well for the Uzbeks.
After impressing to reach the semifinals of the Asian Cup 2011 in Qatar, the White Wolves came up against the Socceroos in the semifinals and lost 6-0!
It remains to be the biggest ever knockout stage win in the competition’s history.
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