Bangladesh vs Uzbekistan - Group B Match Recap

The second last day of group stages came around quickly, as the two Asian sides played a fierce game of football. A competitive battle saw four goals scored, however the match statistics looked to paint a much more even game. Read ahead for a recap of the match and how the statistics looked to tell a different story.

(Image credit to The AFC)

A sunny Perth evening had both teams adjusting to the heat as they kicked off at 1700. A quick start saw a yellow card for Bangladesh’s Mile Akter putting her at risk of being sent off if she received another, this didn’t stop the young team from continuing to push for opportunities.

Just 10 minutes in, Uzbekistan’s Diyorakhon Khabibullaeva scored the first goal of the game, putting her team up so early.

The first half continued to play out between the two teams, with fiery passion evident from all over the stadium. The midfield held the ball for most of the half, before a double Uzbekistan substitution in the 45th minute, bringing on Solikha Khusniddinova and Asalkhon Aminjonova in place of Feruza Turdiboyeva and Gulzoda Amirova.

The fresh legs in injury time rejuvenated the Uzbekistan side before the half-time whistle was blown, giving both teams a break.

Upon their return to the pitch, Bangladesh looked strong, with shot attempt after attempt on the attacking side. 

At the 60 minute mark, Uzbekistan used another substitution to bring Dilora Nozimova on for Ilvina Ablyakimova, and what a move to make because not even two minutes later, new substitute, Nozimova scored the second goal of the game, putting Uzbekistan up 2-0, and giving them a much more secure base to play with.

The game continued with both teams taking shots, however these didn’t transform to goals.

The 64th minute was a big on for Bangladesh as they used a triple substitution to bring Halima Akther, Sauravi Prity and Shamsunnahar on in place of Shueli Azim, Anika Siddiqui and Umehla Marma to refresh the energy on the pitch and give the other girls a much deserved break.

In the 66th minute of the game, Dildora Nozimova scored once again, her second goal of the game, and Uzbekistan’s third.

The 3-0 scoreline, didn’t stop Uzbekistan from fighting hard or Bangladesh from pushing to change the score. Both teams didn’t let the score make them lazy or hopeless as they continued to push with vigour and strength.

As the 90 minute mark approached, both teams were overcome with exhaustion but continued to push, the 88th minute saw Nilufar Kudratova score the fourth goal, letting Uzbekistan finally rest and breathe.

The game continued into injury time, where Uzbekistan had another substitution bringing Kamila Zaripova on for the final minutes.

The full-time whistle blew and Uzbekistan fans and the team cheered with celebrations, Uzbekistan’s first win of the tournament.

The Bangladesh team were clearly upset with the result, but should’ve been proud of the statistics.

The scoreline suggested a dominant performance from Uzbekistan but the statistics saw a more even game. Bangladesh led possession with 55.5% to Uzbekistan’s 44.5%. Bangladesh also led shot attempts with 17 to 13 from Uzbekistan.

 Both teams played amazingly, and unfortunately this game is the end of the road for the Bangladesh team as the group stages end, however there is no doubt they’ll be proud of what they have achieved in this tournament.

Uzbekistan sit third in the group, below China and DPR Korea, but due to their performance compared to other third place teams, they’ve earned themselves a place in the quarter finals, they will play South Korea on the 14th of March, so make sure to tune in!

Article written by Milla Sinfield