Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan have been ever present in the tournament over the past eight editions and are the most successful side from Central Asia having qualified for every Asian Cup since the fall of the Soviet Union. Their most notable achievement was in 2011 when they reached the semi-finals.

What to Expect

Uzbekistan will certainly be out to turn heads in Qatar having been drawn in Group B alongside Australia, Syria and India. Their strength is their defensive resilience. In the 2019 tournament, they conceded just three goals, the second lowest total in the competition. The White Wolves will be no pushovers but going deep into the competition is their big challenge.

At U23 level the Uzbeks have been outstanding in Asia winning the 2018 Asian Cup and coming runners-up to Saudi Arabia in 2022. That form has yet to be translated through to the later rounds of the senior competition. In 2019 they lost to Australia on penalties at the last 16 stage, having tied with Japan on points and in their match-up in the group stage.

Star Players

With captain and star striker Eldor Shomurodov missing through injury, Uzbekistan will hope they can rely on playmaker Odiljon Hamrobekov.

If you’re looking for a young diamond, look no further than 19-year-old defender Abdukodir Khusanov, who plays his club football with Lens in France and can also play as a defensive midfielder.

Manager

Srečko Katanec

The experienced Slovenian, a two-time manager of his own country who he also represented as a player, was appointed in August on a four-year contract. He will be out to match what he achieved with Iraq, his last post, when he took them to the round of 16 in the 2019 Asian Cup before they were beaten by eventual champions Qatar.

Schedule

Saturday Jan 13, 8.30pm Uzbekistan vs Syria, JASSIM BIN HAMAD STADIUM (DOHA)

Thursday, January 18, 5.30pm Uzbekistan vs India, AHMAD BIN ALI STADIUM (AL RAYYAN)

Tuesday, January 23, 2.30pm Uzbekistan vs Australia, AL JANOUB STADIUM (AL WAKRAH)

Squad