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Uzbekistan beat Jordan to reach semis

Earlier on Friday, Japan twice fought back from a goal down to overcome hosts Qatar 3-2 in an entertaining match at the Al Gharafa Stadium to set up a semi-final with South Korea or Iran.

"I think in Tashkent 30 million people are very happy because Uzbekistan are through," coach Vadim Abramov told reporters.

"From the first time I came to a press conference here I said Uzbekistan could win this tournament - no change," Abramov muttered under his bushy moustache.

Four minutes later it was 2-0 after Bakaev again reacted quicker than the Jordan defence to convert Jasur Khasanov's cross from the left.

Nesterov, who received lengthy treatment in the first half after a clash with his own player, left the field shortly after Jordan's goal and substitute keeper Temur Juraev did well to block Ahmad Abdelhalim's shot soon after entering the field.

"I have to admit fatigue and exhaustion were there," said Jordan's Iraqi coach Adnan Hamad.

"We are missing players and this influenced our performance (but) we have exited with our heads held high."

Gregg Davies is the Chief Sub Editor of FourFourTwo magazine, joining the team in January 2008 and spending seven years working on the website. He supports non-league behemoths Hereford and commentates on Bulls matches for Radio Hereford FC. His passions include chocolate hobnobs and attempting to shoehorn Ronnie Radford into any office conversation.