Stunning freekick sees Uzbekistan shock England at U17 World Cup

Updated: Nov 22, 2023, 12:54 pm

Uzbekistan shocked England at the Under-17 World Cup in Indonesia on Wednesday, winning 2-1 at the Jakarta International Stadium to progress to the quarterfinals.

Uzbekistan took the lead early in the first half through Amirbek Saidov, who reacted first to Lazizbaek Mirzaev's saved shot to bundle the ball over the line.

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England equalised in the 36th minute through Joel Ndala -- his third goal of the tournament -- as the Manchester City youth player calmly rolled the ball into the bottom corner after a well-timed through ball from Chris Rigg.

England continued to have the lion's share of possession but failed to convert it into meaningful opportunities and paid the price when Mirzaev expertly curled a freekick from 20 yards into the top left corner midway through the second half.

Uzbekistan's players celebrated with supporters in the stands before continuing the party in their dressing room.
Photo by Alex Caparros - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

England made several substitutes to try and turn the tide but were unable to break down the well-organised Uzbek defence.

A melee broke out in stoppage-time as England pushed for a goal, when Uzbekistan's coach launched the ball into the stands after it went out for an England throw-in.

Despite the 13-minutes added on, England failed to trouble Muhammadyusuf Sobirov's net and crash out of the competition having lost two of their four games -- with wins coming over Iran and New Caledonia.

Uzbekistan's remarkable tournament continues, having already beaten Canada 3-0 and drawn with Spain in the group stage. They will face France or Senegal in the quarterfinals.