Uzbekistan advanced to the U-23 Asian Cup final in Doha, Qatar, overcoming a number of near misses to earn a spot in the Men's Olympics.
After many years of near-misses, Uzbekistan reached the U-23 Asian Cup final and qualified for the Men's Olympic Games.
Uzbekistan defeated Indonesia 2-0 in the semi-finals in Doha, Qatar on Monday and will face Japan for the title on Friday.
Japan defeated Iraq 2-1 and qualified for the Olympics for the eighth consecutive year.
The top three teams will automatically qualify for the Paris Games, with Iraq and Indonesia to decide the final spot in a play-off on Thursday.
Uzbekistan was unlucky. He won the Asian Games every other year in 2018 and 2022, when the Olympics were not held. In 2020, they finished in 4th place and lost in the playoffs to Australia, missing out on the Tokyo Games.
There was no heartbreak this time. Indonesia found the back of the net but the goal was disallowed for offside, but Kusain Norchayev scored midway through the second half to give Uzbekistan the lead.
Indonesia's hopes of an equalizer were thwarted when Rizky Lido was sent off in the 84th minute, reducing the team to 10 men. With four minutes remaining, Pratama Arkhan conceded an own goal, increasing the lead to two points.
Uzbekistan captain Abdurav Buliev was delighted with the historic Olympic qualification, but was still hoping for an Asian title.
“This is a very big moment in my career, but it was a very emotional match and I still have one match to prepare for, so I can't say anything more (beyond that),” the midfielder said. Told. “There was no pressure from being captain. It gave me extra motivation and focused on the game and winning.”
Japan took control of the game against Iraq by scoring two goals in the first half, with captain Joel Fujita contributing to creating chances for Mao Hosoya and Ryotaro Araki.
The loser of Indonesia vs. Iraq will face Guinea in a playoff in May for a spot in Paris.
Indonesia, who beat Australia in the group stage and finished 2-2 in the quarterfinals before defeating South Korea in a penalty shootout, are aiming for their first Olympic appearance since Australia's Melbourne Games in 1956.
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