Bola Malaysia 08 : Uzbeks begin with a bang

11 May 2008
http://www.the-afc.com/eng/articles/viewArticle.jsp_166494249.html

BANGKOK - Hurshid Tajibaev netted a hat-trick as Uzbekistan romped to a 10-0 victory over Malaysia in the opening Group C fixture at Hua Mark Indoor Stadium.

Tajibaev was in inspirational form as the perennial challengers and third seeds, who finished runners-up in 2001 and 2006, stated their intent with Ilhmo Yusupdjanov (two), Nikolay Odushev, Umid Holmatov, Farruh Farhutdinov, Bahodir Ahmedov and Shuhrat Tojiboev also on target.

Malaysia, who had Mohamad Fuad Yusof sent-off, now face an uphill task to progress.

Uzbekistan were on top in a cagey opening 10 minutes before making their dominance tell in the second quarter with three goals.

Tajibaev whipped a left-foot shot round Devandran Supramanium and into the Malaysia net for the opener.

Farhutdinov hit the post before the Uzbeks netted a second when Tajibaev placed a right-foot shot into the bottom-right corner.

Malaysia were offered a lifeline when captain Addie Azwan Zanial was fouled but Mohamad Zaidi Zul Khapri hit the resulting penalty straight at Uzbekistan goalkeeper Rustam Umarov.

The miss was punished seconds later when Farhutdinov found Odushev who slotted in for Uzbekistan to take a 3-0 half-time lead.

Tajibaev struck his third after a neat turn and shot 90 seconds into the second period.

Farhutdinov hit the upright for a second time before Tajibaev crossed for Holmatov to convert.

Farhutdinov added a sixth from close range and Ahmedov struck a seventh.
Fuad was dismissed for two yellow cards and the relentless Uzbeks added goals from Yusupdjanov and Tojiboev.

There was cause for concern when Tajibaev was knocked over by Mohamad Firadaus Razali, the Malaysia substitute goalkeeper, and was forced off with 30 seconds remaining before Yusupdjanov completed the rout.