Before this confrontation, the situation in Group C is quite complicated as both U23 Uzbekistan, U23 South Korea and U23 Iran still have a chance to advance. U23 South Korea temporarily holds an advantage with 4 points, while U23 Uzbekistan closely follows behind thanks to goal difference. U23 Iran is behind with two draws and is forced to beat U23 Lebanon, while waiting for a favorable result from the remaining match.
Reality on the field shows that both teams started quite cautiously in the first half. U23 Uzbekistan actively played solidly, while U23 Korea controlled the ball more but did not create really dangerous situations. The first half ended without any goals being scored.
Stepping into the second half, U23 Uzbekistan suddenly accelerated. In the 48th minute, from an attack on the right wing, the U23 South Korea defense cleared the ball unresolvedly, creating conditions for Karimov to finish powerfully, opening the score for the Central Asian representative.
The goal conceded forced U23 Korea to push up the squad, but their attacking organization lacked sharpness and was continuously neutralized by U23 Uzbekistan's defense.
In the 70th minute, U23 Uzbekistan continued to take good advantage of counter-attack opportunities. Saidov blocked the ball before Saidnurullaev launched an accurate long-range shot, doubling the lead. In the remaining time, despite their best efforts, U23 Korea still could not find an equalizer and accepted a 0-2 defeat.
This result helped U23 Uzbekistan finish the group stage at the top of Group C. Despite losing the match, U23 South Korea still advanced to second place in the group, thanks to U23 Iran surprisingly losing to Lebanon 0-1 in the match at the same time.
