Uzbekistan vs China – AFC Asian Women’s Cup

What an intense match between both teams! Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant for Uzbekistan with a 3-0 defeat. This article is everything you may have missed.

(Image credit to The AFC)

As the game set off, China were determined to keep their champions title, and Uzbekistan were trying their best as the rookies of the tournament. China started the game with strong play, especially in midfield, gaining a lot of possession. China had a shot right on target within the first 14 minutes, but unfortunately, Uzbekistan’s goalkeeper saved the goal. During the save, a few players went down and needed attention from the medics, but the players were fine and able to continue with the match.

China got close to the goal in the 16th minute but just lost control of the ball on the edge of the area. There was a lot of tension in the match, with players falling to the ground and both teams playing very competitively. China were leading with full control of the game, while Uzbekistan spent more time defending than gaining possession of the ball. Uzbekistan were under a lot of pressure as they could not seem to keep the ball clear due to China consistently picking it up. Uzbekistan barely had time on the ball to even move onto China’s side.

After China received a corner, they were given a penalty, which was a very clear and easy chance for them to open up the score sheet. As they deserved, China scored the goal in the bottom left corner of the net. After that goal, Uzbekistan stepped up, trying to gain more possession of the ball.

On the 35th minute, China had a free kick which was blocked by a player from shooting. They were then awarded a corner, with the shot going towards the back post, but it didn’t hit the back of the net unfortunately. Before the half-time whistle was blown, China gained a lot of possession and got close to the goal, but the defence of Uzbekistan put too much pressure on them, stopping China from scoring. However, you could see China building up and wanting that second goal.

As the second half set off, China wasted no time creating opportunities. They were running strongly towards the box but still did not make the ball hit the back of the net. Uzbekistan got close to the penalty area but didn’t manage to get any closer. Uzbekistan were trying their best to defeat China, trying to be as strong as possible to keep possession of the ball.

Just in the 50th minute, the goalkeeper was down and a player from Uzbekistan had left the goal open for China. China didn’t think twice and made sure the ball was in the back of the net. Just five minutes later, China tried to take another shot, but the goalkeeper made an amazing save.

On the 71st minute, a VAR check was underway to check for a handball and see if a penalty needed to be awarded, but it was decided that play should continue. On the 76th minute, China had a corner and scored a perfect goal.

To end the match, both teams played extremely well and tried their hardest. However, the final score was 3–0 to China

Article written by Nailah Gajia