Esmaeil Gholizadeh (IR Iran)
vs Indonesia, February 13
The Islamic Republic of Iran got their campaign off to a winning start with a 3-0 win against Indonesia. Just past the hour mark, Esmaeil Gholizadeh scored one of the goals of the tournament with a jaw-dropping bicycle kick much to the jubilation of his teammates.
Aland Abdi (Syria)
vs Korea Republic, February 14
Syria narrowly lost out to Korea Republic in their opener but they did score the best goal of the match when Anas Dahhan opted to square a free-kick towards Aland Abdi and the midfielder took aim with a side-footed first-time effort that emphatically found the top corner.
Abdugafur Haydarov (Uzbekistan)
vs Indonesia, February 16
Uzbekistan were level with Indonesia at the start of the second half but all that changed in the 47th minute. Saidumarkhon Saidnurullaev played the ball out to Daler Tukhsanov who then produced a cute backheel assist for the onrushing Abdugafur Khaydarov to rifle home.
Amoori Faisal (Iraq)
vs Saudi Arabia, February 16
Iraq’s Amoori Faisal delivered a free-kick tutorial against Saudi Arabia on Matchday Two when his inch-perfect effort from the edge of the box found the top corner, beating not only the goalkeeper but also a defender on the line to give the Iraqis a memorable win.
Kim Tae-won (Korea Republic)
vs Thailand, February 17
Korea Republic captain Kim Tae-won finished as the joint-top scorer with four goals, including scoring twice against Thailand, with the first goal displaying his predatory instincts in front of goal. Park Seung-soo delivered a pinpoint cross from the left, which Kim met with his head to give his side a 2-1 lead.
Kuai Jiwen (China PR)
vs Australia, February 18
Midfielder Kuai Jiwen brought hosts China right back into the contest against eventual champions Australia when he took a delightful touch to set himself up before volleying the ball into the back of the net from the centre of the box, much to the delight of the home support.
Han Jae Yong (DPR Korea)
vs Saudi Arabia, February 19
Han Jae Yong opened the scoring for DPR Korea against Saudi Arabia and what a goal it was! With the Saudi keeper off his line, captain Ri Jong-dok laid the ball back towards Han and his clinical first-time strike from far out caught the keeper off guard and sailed into the net.
Amar Al Yuhaybi (Saudi Arabia)
vs China PR, February 22
Saudi Arabia’s quarter-final showdown with China was heading towards extra time following a goalless game but up stepped Amar Al Yuhaybi in the fifth minute of stoppage time. Talal Haji’s deep cross found Al Yuhaybi at the back post who volleyed home the winner to break Chinese hearts.
Alexander Badolato (Australia)
vs Iraq, February 22
Australia came back from 2-1 down to defeat Iraq in a pulsating quarter-final with Alexander Badolato’s goal worthy of winning any match. The 20-year-old completed the comeback when he took a first touch with his thigh before rifling in a magnificent strike from outside the penalty area.
Kosei Ogura (Japan)
vs IR Iran, February 23
Japan’s equaliser against Iran in the quarter-finals is another worthy candidate! Rei Umeki played a simple pass across to Kosei Ogura, who took a touch to set himself up before unleashing a perfect low strike to beat Arsha Shakouri in the Iranian goal.
