Uzbek Squad Announced
Manager Fabio Cannavaro announced an expanded 30-man Uzbekistan National Squad for the FIFA World Cup, with an additional 4 players as cover for injuries. However, the squad will be trimmed to 26 before the start of their campaign.
The White Wolves to Debut
The White Wolves will be participating in their first-ever World Cup, which makes it such a momentous occasion. Uzbekistan, the first country from Central Asia to make the cut are a good team built on stoic defence and the ability to surprise opposition on the break.
The Uzbeks Came Through A Tough Qualification Campaign
The Uzbeks made it the hard way and had to play 16 tough games to book their ticket to North America. A manager as tough as nails, Fabio Cannavaro, has built a gritty side which will not be easy to dismantle.
With Shomurodov & Khusanov, The Team has all-around ability
Led by Eldor Shomurodov, who plays his football in Turkey and with Khusanov, Manchester City’s successful defender, Manager Cannavaro has got all bases covered to launch a serious challenge in the World Cup.
The Team
Goalkeepers: Utkir Yusupov (Navbahor), Botirali Ergashev (Neftchi), Abduvohid Nematov (Nasaf).
Defenders: Rustamjon Ashurmatov (Esteghlal, Iran), Umrbek Eshmurodov (Nasaf), Avazbek Ulmasaliev (AGMK), Abduqodir Khusanov (Manchester City, England), Abdulla Abdullaev (Dibba, UAE), Jakhongir Urozov (Dinamo), Khojiakbar Alijonov (Pakhtakor), Behruz Karimov (Surkhon), Ruslanbek Jiyanov (Navbahor), Farrukh Sayfiev (Neftchi), Sherzod Nasrullaev (Pakhtakor), Umirali Rakhmonaliev (Sabah, Azerbaijan).
Midfielders: Azizjon Ganiev (Al Bataeh, UAE), Akmal Mozgovoy (Pakhtakor), Sherzod Esanov (Bukhara), Otabek Shukurov (Baniyas, UAE), Odiljon Khamrobekov (Tractor, Iran), Dostonbek Khamdamov (Pakhtakor), Jamshid Iskanderov (Neftchi), Jasur Jaloliddinov (Sogdiana).
Forwards: Abbosbek Fayzullaev (Istanbul Başakşehir, Turkey), Oston Urunov (Persepolis, Iran), Jaloliddin Masharipov (Esteghlal, Iran), Azizbek Amonov (Dinamo), Eldor Shomurodov (Istanbul Başakşehir, Turkey), Igor Sergeev (Persepolis, Iran), Sherzod Temirov (Erbil, Iraq).
A Couple of Warm Ups
Uzbekistan play two warm-up matches before the main tournament begins. The first one against Canada on the 1st of June and then against the Netherlands on the 8th of June.
The Battle Lines Drawn in Group K
The White Wolves are drawn in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia and DR Congo. They will begin their campaign against Colombia on the 18th of June at Mexico City, followed by Portugal on the 23rd of June in Houston and finally will complete the group stage against DR Congo in Atlanta on the 28th of June.
The Uzbeks Are Tough to Crack
The Uzbeks will be tough to crack, and teams will have to put their all into getting past the White Wolves.
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