AFC Asian Cup 2023, India's Rival Watch: Uzbekistan, A Challenge To Conquer For Blue Tigers

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India began their AFC Asian Cup 2023 campaign against Australia. Being the superpowers, it wouldn't have been shocking if the Socceroos got away with a comfortable win. However, India fought their best but lost 0-2 against them.

Now, they have to focus on their next match against Uzbekistan. The White Wolves are another formidable opponent and to qualify for the knockout stages, they will have to look for a win.

AFC Asian Cup: Uzbekistan Defense

Similar to Australia, the Uzbekistan football team has a strong defense with a height advantage. Similarly, they are a physical lot with skills that can create problems for Indian attackers. Rustam Ashurmatov and Abdukodir Khusanov are two of their strongest assets.

Khusanov is one of Uzbekistan’s best players. The 19-year-old plays for RC Lens. He featured in 5 Ligue 1 matches and 2 Champions League matches this season for the club. On the other hand, Ashurmatov plays for the Russian top-flight club Rubin Kazan.

Uzbekistan Midfield

Their midfield is similarly talented as their defense. Jamshid Iskanderov and Diyor Kholmatov are versatile players who can drop back when needed. Abbosbek Faizullaev and Oston Urunov will be two of the most threatening players for Indian attackers in the final third.

Both of them are extremely creative in attack. Faizullaev put up an impressive display against Syria. On the other hand, Urunov was involved in a total of 14 goals in the past year.

Uzbekistan Attack

Uzbekistan's attack is their weakest point at this moment. They are missing their best player Eldor Shomurodov with an injury. The Serie A player is nursing a metatarsal fracture. The coach brought along only 3 options in the final third.

Among them, Igor Sergeev has played for top-tier clubs in UAE, Thailand, and Kazakhstan and Bobir Abdiholikov played for top-tier clubs in Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Ukraine. Both of them featured for their clubs in UEFA competition qualifiers in their time.

Uzbekistan football team squad

Goalkeepers: Abduvokhid Nematov, Utkir Yusupov, Botirali Ergashev; Defenders: Rustam Ashurmatov, Umarbek Eshmurodov, Khusniddin Alikulov, Muhammadkodir Khamraliev, Abdulla Abdullaev, Abdukodir Khusanov, Sherzod Nasrullaev, Farrukh Sayfiev, Khodjiakbar Alijonov, Zafarmurod Abdirahmatov; Midfielders: Jaloliddin Masharipov, Oston Urunov, Aziz Turgunboev, Odiljon Khamrobekov, Diyor Kholmatov, Jamshid Boltaboev, Jamshid Iskanderov, Khodjimat Erkinov, Otabek Shukurov, Abbosbek Faizullaev; Forwards: Igor Sergeev, Bobir Abdiholikov, Azizbek Amonov