Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan lost 3-2 to Russia after surrendering a two-goal lead, with the visitors scoring three times in nine minutes in the second half.
Uzbekistan took the lead in the fifth minute following a corner. Russia defender Viktor Melekhin attempted to clear the ball from the penalty area but put it into his own net.
Russia responded by stepping up their attack and creating several dangerous chances. Lechi Sadulaev had an opportunity to equalise in the 12th minute. Captain Konstantin Tyukavin came close with a shot towards the far corner.
Ivan Oblyakov also tried his luck from distance in the 27th minute but failed to hit the target.
Uzbekistan recorded their first shot on target in the 45th minute and went into half-time with a one-goal advantage.
The hosts extended their lead early in the second half. Nineteen-year-old defender Behruzjon Karimov received a pass from midfielder Dostonbek Khamdamov, got ahead of his opponent and beat Russia goalkeeper Matvei Safonov.
Russia then turned the match around. Nikolai Komlichenko pulled one back in the 70th minute, heading in a long pass from Kirill Danilov. An Uzbekistan defender failed to intercept the ball.
Five minutes later, Komlichenko scored again to level the score. The Uzbekistan goalkeeper and defender failed to coordinate their actions during the attack, allowing the Russian forward to take advantage.
Russia scored the winner in the 79th minute. Danil Krugovoy sent the ball across the penalty area, and Aleksei Miranchuk reached it first after it deflected off an opponent.
Uzbekistan therefore lost 3-2 after leading by two goals. Russia scored all three of their goals in the closing stages of the match.
