TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN: Super-sub Alexandr Geynrikh gave Uzbekistan the perfect 25th Independence Day present and an ideal start to the final round of qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup with a 1-0 win over Syria at the Bunyodkor Stadium on Thursday. Gynrikh forward came on in the second half and brought the match to life with a stunning strike in the 74th minute to seal all three points and a winning start to the campaign for Samvel Babayan and his team. Following a first half with few chances for either team, Uzbekistan coach Babayan then decided to roll the dice, as he replaced Sardor Rashidov with the experienced Alexandr Geynrikh. To the home crowd’s delight, Uzbekistan finally took the lead 16 minutes from time. A late arriving Odil Akhmedov drew a smart reaction save from Almeh with a stinging shot, but Geynrikh was onto the rebound in a flash, smashing it home on the half volley to spark raucous celebrations around the stadium.