Qatar defeats Uzbekistan on penalties to advance to Asian Cup semi-final against Iran

With an attendance of nearly 59,000 fans, Qatar goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham showed his strength by saving three penalties in the shootout. Pedro Miguel then converted the decisive spot kick to send Qatar through to the semi-finals once again.

Qatar took the lead just before the half-hour mark when captain Hassan Al Haydos dribbled into the box. His attempted cross took a deflection that went through the gloves of Utkir Yusupov and into his own net, resulting in an own goal.

However, Uzbekistan did not give up and continued to challenge Qatar. They had several attempts on goal until the 59th minute when Odiljon Hamrobekov managed to take a shot that brushed the fingers of goalkeeper Barsham before finding the net.

Both teams failed to find a breakthrough in 90 minutes. Uzbekistan then survived a late rally from Qatar in extra time, leading to a penalty shootout. Rustam Ashurmatov from Uzbekistan and Almoez Ali, Qatar’s top scorer in 2019, had their penalties saved.

Qatar had a heart-stopping moment when Al-Mahdi Ali Mukhtar missed his penalty, but Barsham came to the rescue and sealed their progress, giving the hosts a memorable night in the desert.

Earlier on Saturday, Iran knocked out four-times champions and the continent’s top-ranked side Japan after skipper Alireza Jahanbakhsh converted a penalty in second-half stoppage time to seal a 2-1 victory.

Soccer Football – AFC Asian Cup – Quarter Final – Qatar v Uzbekistan – Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor, Qatar – February 3, 2024 Uzbekistan’s Rustamjon Ashurmatov is shown a yellow card by referee Hee-Gon Kim. Photo: Reuters