Uzbekistan went top of group H

Uzbekistan dominated the early exchanges and after Egor Krimets had headed a free-kick over the bar, the Philippines were indebted to Neil Etheridge who held his nerve to deny Igor Sergeev a ninth-minute opener when the Pakhtakor striker was clean through on goal with only the Walsall keeper to beat.

Barely a minute later the Philippines were reduced to ten men when Jose Porteria was red-carded for a reckless challenge on Krimets. Uzbekistan were unable to break the deadlock in the first half thanks to the inspired for of Etheridge, who saved superbly from Server Djeparov, Odil Akhmedov, and Eldor Shomurodov.

Centre back Ismailov headed home a 59th minute cross from Alexander Geynrikh, who came close to doubling the advantage as full time approached only for the 57th-minute substitute to strike the post with four minutes left on the clock.
The victory took Uzbekistan’s points tally to 18, two more than the North Koreans, while the Philippines remain on seven points with one round of Group H matches remaining.

UZBEKISTAN - PHILIPPINES - 1-0 (0-0)
24 March. Tashkent. Bunyodkor stadium. 34000 spectators.
Refere: Ryuji Sato (Japan).
Goal: Ismailov, 59 - 1:0.
Uzbekistan: Lobanov, Denisov, Krimets, Ismailov, Tukhtakhujaev, Sokhibov, Akhmedov, Djeparov, Rashidov (Bikmaev, 82), Shomurodov (Khasanov, 53), Sergeev.
Philippines: Neil Etheridge, Simone Rota, Juan Guirado, Luke Woodland (Dominic Rosario, 90), Iain Ramsay (Kenshiro Daniels, 64), Daisuke Sato, Amani Aguinaldo, Patrick Reichelt (Dennis Villanueva, 70), Javier Patino, Martin Steuble, OJ Porteria.
Yellow card: Martin Steuble, 8.
Sent-off: Porteria, 10.

Match photogallery