Asian Cup 2004
November 7

Uzbekistan, the co-favourites, with Thailand, in Asian Cup qualifying Group A, opened their account with a comfortable 4-1 win over Hong Kong in Tashkent yesterday (Thursday).

On a cold night in Pakhtakor, the home side took the lead in the first minute when Andrey Akopyants, one of four players from the Russian Premier League in the home team's starting XI, got behind his marker to fire the opener.

Two defensive lapses allowed Uzbekistan to open up a comfortable lead. First, after 17 minutes, Vladimir Shishelov hooked home and Anvarjon Soliev benefited from another give-away to smash the ball past Hong Kong keeper Fan Chun-yip 11 minutes later.

Although Law Chun-bong pulled one back for Hong Kong, scoring in his debut on the stroke of half-time, Shishelov grabbed his second and the Uzbeks' fourth in the 65th minute.

"Of course it would have been harder without those mistakes," said Uzbek coach Ravshan Haydarov. "But it was not the second or third goals that helped us most, it was especially the first goal because they lost confidence. It was very helpful to the Uzbek team."

Earlier in the afternoon, Thailand, who were widely expected to join the Uzbeks at China 2004, were beaten 1-0 by Tajikistan in the JAR Stadium.

Thailand made an official complaint about the playing surface, which was hard in places and waterlogged in others. With Hong Kong coach Lai Sun-cheung also making an official complaint about the pitch tomorrow's(Saturday) macth between Hong Kong and Tajikistan may be switched to another venue.

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