Fozil Musaev scored the only goal for Uzbekistan in the 34th minute of the Group D encounter to see off a determined Thailand side, who had Sutjarit Jantakol sent off in the 71st minute, and set-up a last eight clash with China.

Thailand, who needed to win to advance to the knockout stages, were the better side in the early exchanges and nearly took the lead after eight minutes but Srinok Rachanon fired narrowly over after collecting Anusorn Srichaloung ’s pass.

Uzbekistan began to get more of a foothold in the game as the half wore on and they came close to opening the scoring after 31 minutes but Murod Khalmuhamedov’s free-kick was saved by Thai goalkeeper Samuel Cunningham.

However, the took the lead three minutes later when Musaev rose to meet Sherzodbek Karimov’s corner and he headed home past Cunningham.

Thailand stepped up their performance in the second-half following two attacking substitutions by coach Kawin Kachendecha as he brought on strikers Korekrit Thawikan and Ritthiphan Ekkachai.

And they came close to a leveller in the 58th minute when Attapong Nooprom picked up the ball on the edge of the area before unleashing a drive that flew inches over the crossbar.

Uzbekistan nearly added another goal five minutes later but Karimov’s free-kick just cleared the bar before Attapong headed wide at the other end shortly afterwards.

Thailand’s hopes were then dealt a blow in the 71st minute when Sutjarit was shown a direct red card for intentionally belting the ball at Karimov after the Uzbekistan skipper had been fouled down the left flank.

However, they came agonisingly close to levelling the contest with 13 minutes remaining as Attapong saw his effort from range come back off the bar.

Uzbekistan then thought that they had put the result beyond doubt after 80 minutes. Khalmuhamedov’s shot was saved by Cunningham but Islom Tukhtahujaev followed up to put the ball in the net only to see his effort ruled out for offside.

Thailand cranked up the pressure in the final minutes but couldn’t create an equaliser as Uzbekistan held on to advance along with Australia to the next stage.