U-20 World Cup last-16: Israel send Uzbekistan packing with late-strike

Another late show in the Rround of 16 by Israel sent Uzbekistan parking and ensured their progression to the quater-final of the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Anan Khalaili scored the all important goal late on to mark another late show by the Israelites who required a late fightback vs Japan in their final group game to reach the knockout stage in their maiden appearance.

It was Shakhzodjon Nematjonov of Uzbekistan who had the first chance of the game. His effort in the 8th minute was saved by the Israeli goalkeeper on its way towards the bottom right corner.

In the 13th minute Tai Abed of Israel struck the post with a header from a cross by Illay Feingold. Seven minutes later, the woodwork also denied Uzbekistan the opening goal from a Sherzod Esanov header.

Uzbekistan then had chances sent off-target as the first half ended goalless in Mendoza on Tuesday night.

Second half took the same shape as the first with both teams failing to find a breakthrough .

Shakhzodjon Nematjonov , Diyorbek Ortiqboyev and Bekhruzbek Asqarov all came close to scoring for Uzbekistan early in the second half before Israel seized the momentum for the final quater.

Israel dominated possession and created chance after chance before the breakthrough arrived deep into stoppage time.

Substitute Anan Khalaili was at the end of a free kick to stab home the winner with few seconds to the end of the game.

So it finished Uzbekistan 0-1 Israel. Another late show right at the end from FIFA U-20 World Cup debutants Israel to seal a spot in the quater-final.

A game vs Brazil or Tunisia who meet in the last-16 is next for Israel on Saturday June 3.