Uzbekistan advances to Asian Cup semifinals

DOHA, Qatar (AP): Uzbekistan advanced to the Asian Cup semifinals for the first time by beating Jordan 2-1 on Friday after two goals by forward Ulugbek Bakaev within four minutes.

Bakaev scored in the 46th and 49th minutes for Uzbekistan, before Bashar Bani Yaseen cut Jordan's deficit in the 58th at Doha's Khalifa stadium.

"Big, experienced player, I know him well," Uzbekistan coach Vadim Abramov said of Bakaev. "I give him a chance, he scores two goals."

Uzbekistan will play either Australia or Iraq in one of Tuesday's semifinals.