FIFA World Cup
The Central Asian nation's debut ended in three defeats but the experience gained augurs well for their footballing future.
Having booked their ticket to the global stage in impressive fashion, Uzbekistan kicked off their campaign with a 3-1 defeat to Colombia.
Although the South American side looked to have cruised to the three points, it was the exact opposite with Uzbekistan holding their own for most of the match with the exciting Abbosbek Fayzullaev scoring their first ever FIFA World Cup Finals goal.
Up next were Portugal and Uzbekistan had to accept the superiority of their opponents as Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in a 5-0 win.
Two defeats meant Uzbekistan only had an outside chance of prolonging their stay and they got off to a great start against Congo DR with Eldor Shomurodov putting them ahead in the 10th minute.
It was a lead they clung on to for almost an hour but Congo DR's experience saw the African side walking away with a 3-1 win.
Despite the three defeats, head coach Fabio Cannavaro said Uzbekistan had every reason to feel proud, with the former Italian great urging more investment in order for the Central Asian side to continue prospering.
Uzbekistan's focus on development is already paying dividends with their age-group teams regularly challenging for honours on the Asian scene and having savoured FIFA World Cup action for the first time, fans can expect even more emphasis on the grassroots.
For now, their supporters will expect the side to be among the title challengers at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, with Uzbekistan drawn in Group B with Bahrain, DPR Korea and Jordan.
Photos: AFP
