China defeated Uzbekistan 4-2 on penalties to advance to the AFC U23 Asian Cup semi-finals, with their last eight tie ending in a goalless draw after extra time at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium in Saudi Arabia.
Goalkeeper Li Hao starred for China in the match and subsequent shoot-out, saving Dilshod Abdullaev’s spot-kick as his side set up a semi-final meeting with Vietnam on Tuesday, their first appearance at that stage.
China’s progression was a major surprise as Uzbekistan dominated the tie, with Asilbek Jumaev and Ravshan Khayrullaev testing Li Hao’s handling early in the match before Azizbek Tulkunbekov’s deflected effort grazed the crossbar.
Li Hao’s run of clean sheets in the tournament came under serious threat in the 20th minute when Jumaev fired a swerving shot that looked to be heading towards the top corner but the China goalkeeper was equal to the effort, tipping the ball over at full stretch.
Uzbekistan’s pressure forced China to sit deep with strike pair Wang Yudong and Baihelamu Abuduwaili feeding off scraps for much of the half.
Li Hao was called upon to make another spectacular save just before the break, this time from Sardorbek Bakhromov’s rising shot from the edge of the box as Uzbekistan were left to reflect how they were not ahead.
The second half began in the same manner with Uzbekistan on the attack but it was China who were the first to have a sight at goal, with Abuduwaili going for the spectacular but his acrobatic attempt from Yang Xi’s cross went wide.
At the other end, Li Hao continued to be a stumbling block for Uzbekistan, diving low to his right in the 63rd minute to push away Khayrullaev’s strike from distance before Saidumarkhon Saidnurullayev blasted over following a cutback from Bakhromov.
Uzbekistan continued to probe and had one last chance to end the tie in regulation time but Bakhromov’s curling free-kick was safely gathered by Li Hao to send the tie into extra time with the additional 30 minutes also ending goalless.
The first five kicks were converted with China leading 3-2 before Behruzjon Karimov and Yang Haoyu missed, with Li Hao then saving Abdullaev’s attempt to set up Wang Bohao to score the winning penalty to take the East Asians through.
