Fifa 2015: Uzbekistan beat Fiji in Whangarei

Opening goal scorer Eldor Shomurodov makes a break with Fiji's Praneel Naidu in tow. Photo / John Stone

Uzbekistan 3 Fiji 0

The beat of the pacific was echoing through the stands at Northland Events Centre during the Fifa Under-20 Group F match between Fiji and Uzbekistan.

Much like the loud crowds that got in behind Myanmar in the earlier matches at the ground, Fiji's fans made their presence known despite their side being dealt a heavy 3-0 loss to Uzbekistan.

A scoreless first half saw both teams head to the sheds with work to do, especially Uzbekistan who held the majority of possession.
The tight first half saw both sides level, 0-all, at the halftime break.

However, it was a defiant Uzbekistan side which came out firing early in the second half with two quick goals - one from Eldor Shomurodov which was followed closely with another by Zabikhillo Urinboev.

Fiji began to tire as a result of being two goals down and never really got back into the match despite several opportunities to regather.

The 5011-strong crowd responded well to Fiji's players whenever they strode upfield with the ball.

On occasions, when the ball crossed into Uzbekistan's half, the drums thumped into action as did the chants from the Fijian support base.

Despite the cherry atmosphere, the kava bowl ran dry for Fiji as Uzbekistan's Mirjamol Kosimov sealed the deal with a final goal to bring the final result to 3-0.

As Fiji's fairytale came to an end so to did the rapturous applause from supporters - many whom left the ground before the match concluded.

With the last of the group matches over, the remaining Fifa Under-20 action in Whangarei will come in the form of a Round of 16 match between Austria and Uzbekistan this Thursday, June 11.