Hong Kong no match for relentless Uzbekistan, as Shomurodov and Ashurmatov settle World Cup qualifier
- AS Roma striker Eldor Shomurodov opens scoring to briefly silence partisan crowd at Mong Kok Stadium
- Rustamjon Ashurmatov adds second, with Hong Kong goalkeeper Yapp Hung-fai denying visitors on several occasions
Second half goals from Eldor Shomurodov and Rustamjon Ashurmatov consigned Hong Kong to defeat against a relentless Uzbekistan in a frenetic World Cup qualifier at Mong Kok Stadium on Thursday.
Hong Kong head coach Jorn Andersen had warned his team they would have to replicate the energy and fight that won them so many admirers at the recent Asian Cup finals to compete with their faster and more physical opponents.
And the home side heeded the Norwegian’s words, and aided by the combination of a trio of exceptional saves from goalkeeper Yapp Hung-fai, the woodwork, and a furious work rate, the hosts reached half-time level.
But a partisan crowd of 6,263 was briefly silenced four minutes after the break when Shomurodov tapped into an empty net. The visitors extended their lead with 24 minutes remaining when centre-back Rustamjon Ashurmatov capitalised on uncharacteristically lax defending to head home from a corner.
This was Hong Kong’s first competitive match since their Asian Cup campaign ended with a defeat by Palestine 68 days ago, and they picked up where they left off in Qatar, with discipline, commitment, and unquenchable desire for hard work.
They could not secure any meaningful possession, however, and wide forwards Everton Camargo and Juninho, on his competitive international debut, were too occupied helping their full-backs to disturb the visitors. Matt Orr, in the centre-forward’s role, received no service of note.
