Kuala Lumpur: Two of Asia’s 2018 FIFA World Cup hopefuls emerged from friendly internationals with wins, as the countdown to the final qualification stage reaches its final week.
Uzbekistan warmed up for next Thursday’s clash against Syria with a 1-0 win over Burkina Faso in Tashkent, while the Saudis eased past Laos with a 4-0 victory in Doha.
Uzbekistan were without a number of first-team regulars, including Sardor Rashidov who was on AFC Champions League duty with El Jaish, but still prevailed thanks to a simple header from Beijing Guoan defender Egor Krimets which came after the Burkinabe goalkeeper spilled a regulation cross on the stroke of half-time at the Pakhtakor Stadium.
Uzbekistan will remain in Tashkent for their opening World Cup qualifier against Syria, before heading to Doha for an away qualifier against Qatar.
In Doha, the Saudis were a class above their Southeast Asian opponents and found the net four times despite making eleven substitutions, nine of which came at half-time.
Goals from Al Ahli trio Taisir Al Jassim, Ali Awagi and Housain Al Mogahwi were complemented by another courtesy of global World Cup qualification leading goalscorer Mohammad Al Sahlawi.
Saudi Arabia will meet Laos again on Saturday before turning their attention to qualifiers against Thailand in Riyadh next Thursday, and Iraq in Kuala Lumpur on September 6.
Photos: Uzbekistan Footbal Federation & Saudi Arabian Football Federation
Source: the-afc.com