Qatar wins on penalties over Uzbekistan and qualifies for the 2023 Asian Cup semi-finals

Goalkeeper Mishal Barshim excelled in saving three penalty kicks to lead his country to a 3-2 victory over Uzbekistan after the two teams tied 1-1 on Saturday at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, in the quarter-finals of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023.

In normal time, Qatar took the lead through a goal by Uzbekistan goalkeeper Otker Yusupov (27th, own goal), before Uzbekistan equalized in the second half through Odiljon Khamruykov (59th).

The tie continued in extra time, and the two teams resorted to penalty kicks, which in the end was on the favor of the Qatar team, which scored three goals from five attempts, while the Uzbek team scored two goals, amid the brilliance of goalkeeper Barshim, who saved three kicks.

The Qatari national team will meet in the semi-finals next Wednesday, with the Iranian national team, which defeated Japan 2-1 on Saturday also at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan.

In the first round, the Qatar national team topped the Group 1 standings with 9 full points from three matches, compared to 4 points for Tajikistan, 2 points for China, and a point for Lebanon.

The team began the competition by defeating Lebanon 3-0, then defeated Tajikistan 1-0, then defeated China 1-0, and won in the round of 16 over Palestine 2-1.

On the other hand, the Uzbekistan national team ranked second in Group Two with 5 points from three matches, two points behind leaders Australia, compared to 4 points for Syria, and nothing for India.

The team began the competition with a 0-0 draw with Syria, then beat India 3-0, before drawing in the third round with Australia 1-1, and won in the round of 16 over Thailand 2-1.