AFC Women's Asian Cup
Returning to the continental stage for the first time in 23 years, the Central Asian side faced consecutive defeats at the hands of reigning champions China PR and three-time winners DPR Korea.
But the Kotryna Kulbyte-led side lived up to their team motto of treating each day as a chance to create something special and recorded a stunning 4-0 win against debutants Bangladesh to book their knockout stage ticket.
But the Kotryna Kulbyte-led side lived up to their team motto of treating each day as a chance to create something special and recorded a stunning 4-0 win against debutants Bangladesh to book their knockout stage ticket.
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“Honestly, it was amazing, and this feeling is unbelievable. Now we are motivated because we see our next goal and are eager to achieve it,” said Asadova. “For sure, it wasn’t easy, but we focused on each game individually, treated every match seriously, and did our best.”
Having reached the last eight of the tournament for the first time, Uzbekistan are now one win away from securing direct qualification to the FIFA Women’s World Cup. However, they must first overcome 2022 runners-up Korea Republic, but the number six is confident that the magnitude of the moment will not overwhelm the squad.
Having reached the last eight of the tournament for the first time, Uzbekistan are now one win away from securing direct qualification to the FIFA Women’s World Cup. However, they must first overcome 2022 runners-up Korea Republic, but the number six is confident that the magnitude of the moment will not overwhelm the squad.
“Korea Republic are a strong team, and whether it is me in defence or the strikers up front, we will face the same pressure, but we are also united as a team and have a lot of self-belief,” said the defender.
“But every match we have played so far has been a new experience, and we have learnt how to deal with pressure and react to important moments. So, the team is much more confident now and also better prepared.”
“But every match we have played so far has been a new experience, and we have learnt how to deal with pressure and react to important moments. So, the team is much more confident now and also better prepared.”
Now standing on the cusp of a landmark achievement, the 29-year-old is relishing yet another opportunity to compete against one of Asia’s finest teams and hopes their inspiring journey can generate further interest in women’s football in her country.
“We understand how important this match is and that a chance to qualify for the World Cup is a huge motivation for the whole team. We want to show our best football and do everything we can to win,” said Asadova.
“We are gaining so much experience from playing against Asia’s strongest teams, which is also very good for my personal career. Overall, it has been a very emotional journey for the team, and we are proud of what we have achieved so far and I hope that our performance will help people in Uzbekistan pay even more attention to women’s football.”
“We understand how important this match is and that a chance to qualify for the World Cup is a huge motivation for the whole team. We want to show our best football and do everything we can to win,” said Asadova.
“We are gaining so much experience from playing against Asia’s strongest teams, which is also very good for my personal career. Overall, it has been a very emotional journey for the team, and we are proud of what we have achieved so far and I hope that our performance will help people in Uzbekistan pay even more attention to women’s football.”
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