Uzbekistan Eyes 1st World Cup Match Against Colombia as Cannavaro Urges Fearless Debut
Updated
Updated · Reuters · Jun 17
Uzbekistan Eyes 1st World Cup Match Against Colombia as Cannavaro Urges Fearless Debut
3 articles · Updated · Reuters · Jun 17
Summary
Wednesday's game against Colombia will be Uzbekistan's first World Cup match, with Fabio Cannavaro telling his players they have "nothing to lose" and should embrace the occasion.
Cannavaro said he has leaned on memories from Italy's 2006 title run to help the squad handle the pressure while still fighting to compete, not merely enjoy the moment.
Abdukodir Khusanov is set to anchor the defense, with Cannavaro calling the Manchester City center back the player best equipped to control pressure and organize the team.
Group K also includes Portugal and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Cannavaro said the debut is a chance to showcase Uzbekistan's culture and football identity on the global stage.
At Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, Cannavaro linked the team's breakthrough to federation investment in academies and facilities, predicting more Uzbek players will reach Europe.