UZBEKS CLOSE IN ON QATAR

TASHKENT – Uzbekistan put themselves on the brink of a place at the 2011 Asian Cup after two goals from Alexander Geynrikh helped the central Asians overcome Malaysia 3-1 at JAR Stadium. Following a goalless first-half, the hosts went in front just after the break through Server Djeparov (pictured) before Geynrikh found the back of the net in the 57th and 65th minutes to give Uzbekistan a comfortable advantage.

Zaquan Abdul Radzak pulled a goal back for Malaysia but it ultimately proved little more than a consolation.Uzbekistan came into the game having not found the net in their last five contests and that barren run was extended over the opening 45 minutes as they failed to convert a number of chances, Aziz Ibragimov heading one of the better ones the wrong side of the post.

Coach Mirdjalal Kasimov decided to introduce Geynrikh at half-time having left him out of the starting line-up as the striker had been suffering from a fever and it proved an inspired decision as Uzbekistan sewed up the points in the second period.

The hosts went in front with the first attack of the half. Geynrikh fed the ball to Anvar Soliev and he in turn set-up Odil Ahmedov. The midfielder made a hash of the opportunity but the ball fell to Djeparov and he forced the ball over the line.

Defender Murod Khalmukhamedov, making his international debut, then strode into the area two minutes later but his powerful shot was wide of the target.However, Geynrihk doubled the hosts' lead in the 57th minute when he scored from the edge of the box with a curling effort.The striker then bagged his second of the night in the 65th minute with a similar effort to put the result beyond doubt.

Malaysia pulled a goal back shortly afterwards when Zaquan headed home a free-kick and came agonisingly close to claiming a second when he outpaced Anyar Gofurov but saw his shot hit the post.Uzbekistan had further chances to add to their lead when Geynrikh freed both Soliev and substitute Timur Kapadze but neither could find the back of the net with just the keeper to beat.It did not matter, however, as Uzbekistan comfortably closed out the win that saw them take a big step towards Qatar in 2011. - the afc