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1 year ago
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England Under-17s have a new nemesis in the form of Uzbekistan U17s manager Jamoliddin Rahmatullayev, who booted the ball into the stands in the dying moments of his nation's 2-1 World Cup win over the Three Lions.
Uzbekistan were beating England nine minutes into stoppage time in their U17s World Cup last 16 clash when Rahmatullayev wellied the ball into Row Z to delay a throw-in.
Players from both sides rushed over as tempers flared and Rahmatullayev was sent off for his unsporting behaviour.
Ever mischievous, he protested his innocence and was able to watch his team cling on to victory after 13 minutes of stoppage time.
An England side brimming with talents from top Premier League academies including Manchester City and Chelsea was reeling with fury after the controversial misdemeanour.
Uzbekistan U17s manager Jamoliddin Rahmatullayev booted the ball into the stands to waste time as England were losing 2-1
Players were infuriated when the minnows' coach wellied the ball away to prevent England from equalising
England players rushed towards the manager and were tailed by Uzbekistan youngsters
Rahmatullayev was sent off for his unsporting behaviour but his side ultimately won the game
Uzbekistan celebrated the historic win but will be without their manager for the next game
England went behind after just four minutes as Amirbek Saidov scored a headed rebound.
Man City youngster Joel Ndala restored parity after 36 minutes as England dominated the ball, giving themselves a great chance going into half-time.
However, Lazizbek Mirzeav's beautiful 20-yard free-kick after 67 minutes proved to be the goal that would send home the 2017 champions.
Ndala crashed a shot off the crossbar, Justin Oboavwoduo and Tyler Dibling had long shots saved, and Myles Lewis-Skelly headed over in the closing stages but England could not find a leveller.
This is a susprising end to what was a promising tournament in Indonesia for Ryan Garry's next generation of England stars.
The Three Lions battered New Caledonia 10-0, beat Iran 2-1, and lost 2-1 to Brazil as they topped their group.
Ndala was England's top scorer at the tournament with three goals, shining with some mesmeric performances, while Reiss-Alexander Russell-Denny also chipped in with a couple.
Uzbekistan, ranked 73rd in the world, have reached their first quarter-final since 2011 and they will either face France or Senegal next.
Ryan Garry's young side were devastated after their controversial exit from the tournament
Amirbek Saidov scored a header after just four minutes to give Uzbekistan a shock lead
Joel Ndala equalised for England after 36 minutes but it wasn't to be for the youngsters
Lazizbek Mirzeav scored a stunning second-half free-kick to send home England's starlets
England have had lots of success at youth level in recent seasons.
In 2017, the U17s won the World Cup in India when they were managed by Steve Cooper.
That team was labelled the 'golden generation' and included younger versions of Phil Foden, Marc Guehi, Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Rhain Brewster.
Foden was crowned the player of the tournament while Brewster bagged eight goals to top the scoring charts.
As recent as this summer, England U21s lifted the European Championships with players such as Anthony Gordon, Cole Palmer, Curtis Jones, and James Trafford.
The future is bright for England but they will be crestfallen after this premature exit in Indonesia.
Ndala was England's top scorer at this tournament but was heartbroken at full-time
It was all smiles between Ryan Garry and Rahmatullayev before kick-off, but the Uzbekistan manager's antics will be a hard pill to swallow
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