Asian Cup Match 2: Kyrgyz Win Against Brunei

The following article provides an oversight for matches and tournaments taking place in 2020.

Asian Cup Match 2: Kyrgyzstan v Brunei

Kyrgyz Win Against Brunei

January 3^rd, 2020

 

Kyrgyzstan have started their Group A campaign with a 2-1 win over Brunei.

 

The Central Asian side began in earnest, quickly putting Brunei on the back foot. Vitalij Lux started behind the main striker and nearly scored with his first touch. It only took a few more minutes as Lux scored in the 11^th minute with his right boot, shooting low around goalkeeper Haimie Anak Nyaring.

 

A few minutes later, Aleksandr Misçenko cut in from the right flank with a deft touch that needed a goalkeeping save. His header from the resulting corner then hit the frame of the goal.

 

With Brunei’s defence against the ropes, Bekzhan Sagynbaev received the ball from Lux, only to chip Nyaring and hit the post. Sagynbaev for a second time received the ball in a dangerous position and his shot needed a save. Again, Sagynbaev received the ball in a dangerous position and his shot needed a save.

 

With Lux dominating in his attacking position, Viktor Maier received the ball from his teammate, and again Nyaring saved the resulting shot. Maier repeat shot was poor. However, Lux’s was not, and his scored in the 40^th minute, this time with his left boot.

 

Finally, the second half brought relief for Brunei, and they started creating chances through working against the unusual Kyrgyz formation of 3-5-1-1. Brunei attacker Ali Said finished off a pass into him by chipping Pavel Matyash, the Kyrgyz goalkeeper, and gaining one goal back.

 

Ali Said then won a free kick in a good position, only for Mohammad Shahrazen Said to pop it straight to the goalkeeper.

 

Back at the other end, Lux and Mirlan Murzaev combined for a shot, only for Suhaimi Anak Sulau to effectively block it. The ball soon found its way in a counterattacking move, and Yura Indera Putera Yunos should have equalised, but a vital save kept the Kyrgyz side in front. Late in the game, Shahrazen Said’s shot was blocked, and Matyash gathered it easily. The attacker gained an injury in additional time, and may miss the upcoming game against the Asian Cup hosts.

 

In the end, Kyrgyzstan held on for a win, and will now face Japan in an attempt to automatically qualify for the Round of 16.

 

Important aspects of the match:

·       Kyrgyzstan’s best: Lux (who shifted to left midfield for the last part of the match), Murzaev, Misçenko.

·       Murzaev set up one of Lux’s goals, Farhat Musabekov did the other goal.

·       All Kyrgyz players passed well, except for Lux and Sagynbaev.

·       Lux took on the Brunei defence with 21 dribbling attempts, with 14 of them turning in something successful.

·       Murzaev with a yellow card will have to be careful, although the Kyrgyz coach, Krestinin, may have enough back up in the first eleven for midfielders to step into Murzaev’s role should he receive another yellow card in the tournament.

·      Tamirlan Kozubaev made two crucial clearances.

·      Brunei’s best: Nazirrudin Ismail up and down the left flank, captain Sairol HAJI SAHARI in defence with a massive five clearances, Ali Said.

·        Nazirrudin Ismail set up the goal for Ali Said.

·      Ali Said was the best passer in the game, with Helmi Zambin also contributing in that department.

·      Nyaring made five saves in the first half, with six overall.

 Along with Sairol Haji Sahari’s five clearances, Helmi Zambin also had four clearances and three interceptions.