You can't write a script about Uzbekistan's world cup qualifying adventures
In 2002, they missed the play off by a point after UAE snatched a draw.
In 2006, they finally got to the play-offs. While leading 1-0 at home, they were awarded a penalty to get to 2-0 but somehow the ref then incorrectly disallowed the goal. AFC ordered a replay, rejecting Uzbek's demand to be awarded a 3-0 win. They went on to draw the rematch 1-1 and went out on away goals 😆
Today, they headed into the last match against Qatar 2 points behind Iran and 3 points behind Korea, who faced each other. As they only had +1 GD compared to Iran's +5 (they whacked it up by scoring 4 the last match anticipating such a GD crucial scenario on final matchday) and Korea's +7, they needed to win by at least a 4 goal margin and hope Iran draw, which is a realistic aim given Iran is away to a very very tough trip in Korea and Korea haven't lost at home for quite a long time. Otherwise, if Iran win Uzbek had to win by 6 goal margin and if Iran lose any win would see Uzbek qualify, which is something they terribly deserved as they led the group for most of the campaign.
Things got off to a bad start as they fell behind 1-0 at home to already eliminated Qatar. Then it got worse, Iran scored and was leading 1-0 at Korea. Uzbek then ramped it up, scoring 5 in the second half, but ultimately they fell short on just 1 GD. 😆
