Canada 2, Uzbekistan 1 | 2016 International Friendly Recap

Franco Panizo

Canada wrapped up their June camp with a victory thanks to a late own goal from Uzbekistan.

Canada edged Uzbekistan, 2-1, in a friendly on Tuesday after left back Akramjon Komilov inadvertently nodded home a cross from Junior Hoilett in the 81st minute. Komilov raced back to try and cut off Hoilett's service on the play, but was unable to clear the ball and pushed it home instead.

The goal gave the Canadians the victory at Thermenstadion Bad Waltersdorf in Austria after they had conceded an equalizer earlier in the second half. Canada captain David Edgar scored in the 20th minute via a header off a free kick from Scott Arfield, but Eldor Shomurodov rifled home a low shot after the hour-mark to put the match on even terms again.

Komilov's mishap at the back ensured that Canada prevailed, however.

Box Score

20' - CAN - David Edgar (Scott Arfield)
62' - UZB - Eldor Shomurodov (Igor Sergeev)
81 - CAN - Akramjon Komilov (Own Goal)
Full box score
Stats

Three Things

IN THE AIR: Canada found space to attack down the wings, and it is from there where the game-winner was born. Still, Benito Floro's men seemed to be most dangerous on set pieces. Edgar's opener came via a free kick from the left, and another cross in the first half led to strong protests for a penalty kick after one of Canada's players was brought down in the 18-yard box.
SOMETHING TO BUILD ON: While Canada did not create an abundance of clear-cut scoring chances from the run of play, they had nice spells of possession where they knocked the ball around well. One such sequence came midway through the second half when the midfield combined with some quick one-timed passes. More of that would surely be useful when the Canadians return to the field to take on Honduras in a World Cup Qualifier in September.
SUMMER '16: Canada ended their June camp with a win, moving them to 1-0-1 in their two scheduled friendlies this summer. They defeated Azerbaijan, 1-1, four days ago in a match that saw Scott Arfield record another assist and Tesho Akindele score.