Nematjonov double sees Uzbekistan through to last 16

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Uzbekistan defeated Guatemala 2-0 thanks to a first-half brace from Shakhzodjon Nematjonov to finish second in Group A and qualify for the last 16 at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Argentina 2023.

The AFC U20 Asian Cup™ holders were confirmed as runners-up thanks to Argentina's 5-0 win over New Zealand.

Arian Recinos will want to erase this game from his memory as soon as possible. His wayward back-pass was intercepted by the alert Nematjonov, who pounced on the mistake before slotting in a shot past Jorge Moreno in the ninth minute.

Ten minutes later Nematjonov added another when he latched on the end of a pinpoint accurate through pass by the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2023's best player, Abbosbek Fayzullaev.

Those proved to ultimately be the decisive moments as coach Ravshan Khaydarov's side advanced to the next round as the runners-up in the host nation's group.

Having advanced to the quarter-final stage in their previous two appearances, Uzbekistan will be determined to do even better at Argentina 2023.