DOHA: Srecko Katanec warned that his depleted Uzbekistan can “surprise” hosts and holders Qatar after defeating Thailand 2-1 on Tuesday to reach the Asian Cup quarter-finals.

Thailand were looking to beat Uzbekistan for the first time since 2007 but the central Asian nation, touted as dark horses for the title, scored two stellar goals to deny Masatada Ishii’s side.

After squandering several chances, Uzbekistan took the lead in the 37th minute when Diyor Holmatov lobbed a cross-field ball into the box to Azizbek Turgunboev, who expertly controlled the pass with his chest before volleying it past Patiwat Khammai at Al Janoub Stadium.

Thailand were the lowest-ranked team left at the tournament but they hit back just before the hour when Supachok Sarachat pulled the trigger from more than 25 yards out, with his low shot curling past Uzbekistan keeper Utkir Yusupov who did not react in time to make the save.

However, Uzbekistan restored their lead seven minutes later through Abbosbek Fayzullaev when the highly rated 20-year-old CSKA Moscow winger quickly turned his defender and fired from the edge of the box, directing a low shot that squeezed past the keeper and into the net.

This time Thailand had no reply, despite some late pressure.

Uzbek coach Katanec felt his side should have scored two more goals in the first half but was delighted with the result, given they were missing several first-choice players.

“Imagine what kind of work I have to do,” said the Slovenian, adding that he is missing five players who would normally start.

None will be available to face Qatar on Saturday in the last eight at Al Bayt Stadium.

“We also have some virus, many players are ill, but we performed well and our players did their job,” he said.

Despite being short of his best side Katanec struck a defiant tone, saying: “We can surprise Qatar, why not?”

Thailand’s Japanese coach Ishii hopes their run to the knockouts for the second time in a row can be the start of something good for Thai football.

But he warned: “There are many things we have to fix. Not only the national team but also the domestic league and support from the football association, to develop more and be as one, so we can come back here again.”

‘CHAMPIONS’ PALESTINE

On Monday, Palestine coach Makram Daboub said he was proud of his “champions” after they bowed out of the best Asian Cup in their history with a 2-1 defeat to Qatar.

Palestine were appearing in the knockout rounds for the first time in three Asian Cups and have enjoyed strong support during the tournament from fans of rival teams.

The last-16 encounter north of Doha took place against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas war in the Palestinian territory of Gaza and a brief moment’s silence was held before kick-off.

Although they conceded the first goal against the run of play, Qatar were composed and clinical when they created their best chances to punish Palestine. A young girl in the crowd held up a sign that said “Sorry Palestine” after the final whistle.

Some of the Palestinian players have lost loved ones or have family trapped in Gaza, and the team have been forced to train and play matches overseas in the lead-up to the competition.

Daboub said his players “gave everything despite the very difficult circumstances”.

“I can’t ask any more of them — they have honoured Palestinian football,” said the coach, whose team beat Hong Kong 3-0 in the group phase for their first victory at an Asian Cup. “I am very proud of my champions. They have big ambitions and they are always proud to represent the Palestinian people.

“The Palestinian people are very passionate. We wanted to make them happy but we’re sorry we couldn’t. We hope to be better in our next games and compensate for today’s loss.”

The crowd of almost 65,000 at the tent-like Al-Bayt Stadium were overwhelmingly cheering for Qatar but they also offered support for Palestine.

Palestine’s Oday Dabbagh stunned the crowd by opening the scoring in the 37th minute, embarking on a solo run and shot past keeper Meshaal Barsham into the bottom corner for his third goal of the tournament.

Qatar skipper Hassan Al-Haydos equalised with the last kick of the half when he latched onto Akram Afif’s low cross from a corner and fired it home through two defenders and keeper Rami Hamadeh.

Qatar needed just four minutes after the restart to take the lead, after a Mohammed Saleh foul on Ali gave them a penalty. Afif made no mistake from the spot and Qatar cruised through the rest of the match with Palestine tiring badly.

“The most important thing is that we have qualified. I wanted a better performance,” said Qatar coach Tintin Marquez. “It was a very tough game and it was emotional because we were playing the Palestinian team.”

Published in Dawn, January 31st, 2024