Both teams had eight shots. Both teams had one shot on target. The possession was pretty evenly split. Uzbekistan defended tightly but were more expansive in possession than both India and Syria combined and still the Socceroos had a tough time penetrating. It was a little static. There were a few too many touches, and not enough creativity. Granted, Arnold made five changes for this match to rest some legs and give Yengi a chance to play. I do want to see what Fornaroli might be able to do with a start if he is given one in the round of 16, especially if Duke is not fit to return yet.
Speaking of the round of 16, Australia will play one of the best third-placed teams on Sunday at 10.30pm AEDT. Ostensibly that means the opponent will not be so difficult, but you can bet if that’s the case they will park the bus to try and push it to extra-time and penalties. It is hard to complain when the Socceroos have just topped their group and are undefeated heading into the knockouts, but I’ve also seen nothing yet to indicate they can win this tournament. Then again, Japan and South Korea haven’t exactly lit the world on fire either. So who bloody knows? Going to love you and leave you with the two goals. See you Sunday night.
Full-time! Australia 1-1 Uzbekistan
The fat lady has sung. Both teams go through. Australia win Group B but only because of a ridiculous penalty.
Arnold is going nuts
He’s clapping and screaming directions at his players. There are 90 seconds left. Behich takes a throw-in and two blue shirts back Fornaroli into a corner. Yengi is on the move and passes out to Tilio, who delivers a nice little cross into the box but nobody is there.
Australia 1-1 Uzbekistan after 90+6 minutes
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Tilio and Miller will get cameos
They will be brief - about three minutes. Bos and Atkinson will get three minutes of rest.
Australia 1-1 Uzbekistan after 90+3 minutes
Syria have scored against India
Khribin finally broke the stalemate, but at this late stage it probably won’t be enough to get them into second spot.
The Socceroos have marginally increased their urgency as if they would like to win this after all. The flag goes up against Yengi. Fornaroli is looking frustrated. There will be second added minutes.
Australia 1-1 Uzbekistan after 90 minutes
Baccus has done his dash too
He is replaced by O’Neill as Behich overcooks an attempted cross and Uzbekistan take a throw-in.
Australia 1-1 Uzbekistan after 86 minutes
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Fornaroli makes his entrance
Something has happened with Sergeev. Commentators are suggesting it might be his calf, but he is on the ground and going nowhere fast as medicas tend to him. The Socceroos take the opportunity to have a drink, and Arnold takes the opportunity to make his next substitution: Fornaroli for McGree. McGree looked fatigued towards the end of that shift but a valuable shift it was.
Sergeev will not play on. He cannot play on, and is stretchered off.
Australia 1-1 Uzbekistan after 84 minutes
Uzbekistan equalise!
Masharipov, who has been wonderful since being subbed on after the break, makes a break for it down the left and breaks free just enough to whip in a delightful cross.
Turgunboev rises to almost the height of the crossbar and buries his header at the back post. Cool as you like. That is the first goal the Socceroos have conceded at this Asian Cup and it was fair and square.
Australia 1-0 Uzbekistan after 78 minutes
Not much action right now
The backline play pass-ey pass-ey, patiently looking for an opening. Returning the ball to Ryan and then trying again. They attack via the right flank and then are forced back again. Being careful. I’m waiting for Arnold to make another change. Anytime now, surely.
