The FIFA U-17 World Cup, taking place in Qatar, has entered a turbulent phase, as all fans have been eagerly awaiting. The Uzbekistan U-17 national team won the hearts of fans in the next stage with their willpower, character, and unique playing style. Islam Ismailov's team, who finished second in the group stage, faced Croatia, which has a complex tactics and physical training characteristic of the European school, as the first opponent in the playoffs.
Croatia had also shown themselves as an organized team in past games, managing the game systematically, and making quick decisions in attack. Therefore, this match became a serious test for Uzbekistan and a competition that placed great responsibility on it.
However, the Uzbek teenagers managed to "record" the opponent's strengths from the very first minutes and gradually began to take control of the game. As a result, a sharp attack took effect in the 24th minute - Sayfiddin Sodiqov found his way among the opponents from the right wing, and Sadriddin Hasanov headed a timely pass into the net. This goal not only opened the scoring but also lifted the team's morale to a completely different level.
In the second half, the Uzbek players created several dangerous situations. Asilbek Aliyev's sharp free-kick was saved by Croatian goalkeeper Matej Grahovas. In one of the attacks, the ball found a dangerous direction among the defenders, but the opponent's central defender carefully cleared the situation.
Nevertheless, the rule of football is the same: if you don't take advantage of an opportunity, the opponent will take advantage. Croatia scored a goal ten minutes before the end of the match to make the score 1:1. Shokirov made a mistake on the ball, and Gabriel Slivak quickly grasped the situation and sent a precise pass to Tino Kusanovic. The striker didn't miss the opportunity and led the match to a penalty shootout.
In the penalties, Uzbekistan's perseverance, inner confidence, and the coach's strategic thinking paid off. Near the end of the match, Islam Ismailov replaced the goalkeeper as a tactical change - Ibrahim Shokirov was replaced by Nematullah Rustamjonov. It was this change that determined the fate of the game.
From the very first shot, Rustamjonov gave the team a psychological advantage and managed to save a shot from one of Croatia's leaders, Kumar, during the series. The guys from Uzbekistan, despite the pressure, carried out each punch with seriousness. Finally, when it came to the decisive shot, Sadriddin Khasanov returned to the stage and brought the team a glorious victory with a score of 4:3.
The Asian Football Confederation also expressed a special opinion about this game and especially noted the character of the Uzbekistan U-17 team, their resistance to pressure during the game, and their timely tactical decisions. Indeed, this victory is not a coincidence - it is the result of hard work, trust, and collective effort.
Now the next opponent is the reigning European champion, Italy. The 1/8 finals, which will be held next Tuesday, will be another serious test for Uzbekistan. However, I am confident that this team knows how to fight only for victory in every minute it takes to the field.
Every minute of Uzbekistan's trip to the playoffs is becoming a history for fans. And the excitement of the competition is just beginning.
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