Tashkent (Uzbekistan): Australia overcame a poor start to hand Qatar a 9-1 defeat in their Group B encounter at Tashkent’s JAR Stadium on Tuesday as Trevor Morgan’s side advanced to the quarterfinals of the AFC U20 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2023.
Moustafa Asar capitalised on a defensive error to give Qatar a second minute lead but Hassan Al Ghareeb’s own goal was followed by efforts from Chris Donnell, Raphael Rodrigues and Bernardo Oliveira as the Young Socceroos opened a three-goal cushion by halftime.
Oliveira added a fifth midway through the second half before further strikes from Jonny Yull, Gabriel Popovic, Archie Goodwin and Alex Badolato, the result ensuring the Australians second place in Group B behind Islamic Republic of Iran and they will face Group A winners Uzbekistan in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
It had all looked so different in the second minute as Qatar went in front when Asar bundled the ball over the line after Nectarios Triantis’ under-hit back-pass to goalkeeper Jack Warshawsky, but the lead was only to last 11 minutes as Australia struck back.
Alessandro Lopane found Rodrigues in space down the Australia right and his low centre was directed into his own net by Al Ghareeb. (AFC)
