Uzbekistan has done it again! Another step towards a historic World Cup qualification
Nikita Paglazov October 15, 2024, 19:28 Moscow time Audio version: Your browser does not support the audio element.
In a difficult match, the team of Faizullaev and Shomurodov beat the United Arab Emirates.
The Uzbekistan national team is racing towards the first world championship in its history. Srečko Katanec’s team shares first place in the qualifying group with Iran. The Uzbek national team scored seven points in three rounds. A difficult home match against the United Arab Emirates awaited them. And the owners really had a hard time.
The starting lineup of the Uzbekistan national team attracted attention with two figures: Eldor Shomurodov and Abbosbek Faizullaev. The Roma striker became a star of the RPL and the second is now becoming the leader of CSKA. Naturally, they both broke up at first. The United Arab Emirates has no famous names on its list. The main star is coach Paulo Bento, who previously worked with the Portuguese and South Korean national teams and with Sporting.
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Classification
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Despite the strength of the team, the United Arab Emirates played a good game in the first half. The visitors forced the defense of the Uzbekistan team, although the hosts had greater possession of the ball (62%-38%). The first 45 minutes were not the brightest. This worked in the UAE’s favor, but Uzbekistan was nervous. The team cannot lose points. Otherwise, the UAE or Qatar, who are three points behind the Uzbeks and Iranians in the table, will immediately catch up.
The second 45 minutes saw the guests start with more boldness. They began to control the ball more and more, however, the scoring opportunities did not arrive. The Uzbek people waited patiently for their opportunity. And the big news came in the 65th minute. No, the hosts did not score: midfielder Abdullah Hamad received a direct red card as part of the United Arab Emirates team. He committed a hard foul just outside his own area and deservedly left the field. Uzbekistan has cheered up. Now there is a clear favorite in the field.
Uzbekistan – United Arab Emirates
Photo: Football Federation of Uzbekistan
And the UAE continued to give gifts to the owners. The Bento team had concentration problems in the second half. In the 75th minute, the ball hit a UAE defender in his own area. The referee gave a penalty and brought joy to the Tashkent stadium. Al-Faiha’s Saudi midfielder, Otabek Shukurov, decided to take the 11-meter penalty. He previously played for Fatih Karagümrük under Andrea Pirlo. The Italian probably told his player a couple of secrets when taking the penalty. But Shukurov forgot about them due to nerves: Otabek’s shot was not very accurate and hit the post. It was fortunate that the ball finally hit the UAE goal. 1:0 – Uzbekistan took the lead.
Uzbekistan – United Arab Emirates
Photo: Football Federation of Uzbekistan
The home team got the advantage they needed and reduced the pressure. In the end, the UAE took the initiative into its own hands. However, it was not possible to equalize the score. Uzbekistan achieved its third victory in four days and was clearly in first place in the table. Iran can reach the Katanets team, but to do so they need three points with Qatar.
Uzbekistan has six games left until the end of the qualifying phase, two of them at home. Two meetings with Qatar, a trip to Iran and the United Arab Emirates remain ahead. Complicated schedule. But the Uzbeks have created a good base. In the match against the United Arab Emirates, Shomurodov and Faizullaev did not perform. Do you have energy left for the decisive matches?
Situations in the Asian team for the 2026 World Cup:
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