Russia U21 vs Uzbekistan U23

Russia U21 wasted no time in stamping their authority on this friendly in Antalya, with midfielder Andrey Ivlev finding the net inside the opening minute to stun Uzbekistan U23 at the Bellis Deluxe Stadium. It was the perfect start for Ivan Shabarov's young side and set the tone for an energetic Russian display. Uzbekistan refused to lie down, though, and were rewarded just before the break. Firdavs Abdurakhmanov unleashed a beautiful strike in the 44th minute to drag his side level heading into half-time. The pendulum swung back Russia's way early in the second half when Gleb Popolitov restored the lead on 61 minutes. Despite a raft of Uzbek substitutions designed to chase an equaliser, Russia held firm to secure a deserved 2-1 victory. A productive afternoon for both camps in Turkey, with Russia U21 now setting their sights on Jordan U23 on March 30, while Uzbekistan U23 prepare to face Albania the same day.