Dilshod Abdullaev (R) of Uzbekistan vies with Liu Chengyu of China during a friendly football match between the U19 teams of China and Uzbekistan in Weinan, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, June 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi)
XI'AN, China, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Hosts China drew 0-0 with Uzbekistan on Saturday at the Huashan Cup, a U-19 men's soccer invitational tournament organized by the Chinese Football Association.
The visitors leveraged their physical strength to dominate early in the game. In the 21st minute, Nurlan Ibraimov's close-range header was blocked by China's goalkeeper Liu Qiwei.
Wang Yudong, who scored in China's previous win over Vietnam on Tuesday, got injury in the 29th minute, prompting head coach Dejan Durdevic to adjust the formation. China finished the first half without any attempts on goal.
China's best chance came in the 54th minute when Mao Weijie's shot soared over the goal without any defensive pressure.
As the game progressed, the visitors ran out of energy and were unable to score, resulting in a goalless draw.
In another match on Saturday, Jin Jun-seo's goal helped South Korea secure a 1-0 victory over Vietnam, marking their first win in this year's Huashan Cup. Jin also scored a penalty in their previous match against Uzbekistan on Tuesday.
After two matchdays, both China and South Korea have recorded one win and one draw, while Uzbekistan has two draws. Vietnam has suffered consecutive defeats.
China will face South Korea on Monday, while Vietnam will take on Uzbekistan the same day to determine the tournament winner. ■
Mukhammadali Urinboev (L) of Uzbekistan breaks through during a friendly football match between the U19 teams of China and Uzbekistan in Weinan, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, June 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi)
Nurlan Ibraimov (C) of Uzbekistan vies for the ball during a friendly football match between the U19 teams of China and Uzbekistan in Weinan, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, June 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi)
Players of China pose for a group photo before a friendly football match between the U19 teams of China and Uzbekistan in Weinan, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, June 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi)
Nurlan Ibraimov (L) of Uzbekistan controls the ball during a friendly football match between the U19 teams of China and Uzbekistan in Weinan, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, June 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi)
Narimonjon Akhmadjonov (R) of Uzbekistan vies with Huang Shan of China during a friendly football match between the U19 teams of China and Uzbekistan in Weinan, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, June 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi)
Chen Zeshi (L) of China passes the ball during a friendly football match between the U19 teams of China and Uzbekistan in Weinan, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, June 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi)
Players of Uzbekistan pose for a group photo before a friendly football match between the U19 teams of China and Uzbekistan in Weinan, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, June 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi)
Narimonjon Akhmadjonov (L) of Uzbekistan vies with Mao Weijie of China during a friendly football match between the U19 teams of China and Uzbekistan in Weinan, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, June 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi)
