FIFA World Cup
The tournament debutants suffered a 5-0 defeat to pre-tournament favourites Portugal on Tuesday, their second consecutive defeat in Group.
Despite that, victory against Congo DR may still take them through as one of the eight best third-placed sides and former FIFA World Cup winner Cannavaro said the Central Asian side will give it their best attempt.
Despite that, victory against Congo DR may still take them through as one of the eight best third-placed sides and former FIFA World Cup winner Cannavaro said the Central Asian side will give it their best attempt.
“We have to keep believing until we mathematically cannot go through," said Cannavaro, who led Italy to the FIFA World Cup title in 2026.
“They (players) tried everything, they tried their best, I am very proud. This is our first time at the World Cup. I told the players that they can misplace a pass and make mistakes. I must give them the confidence to try and improve.”
“They (players) tried everything, they tried their best, I am very proud. This is our first time at the World Cup. I told the players that they can misplace a pass and make mistakes. I must give them the confidence to try and improve.”
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Having lost 3-1 to Colombia in their opener, Uzbekistan came up against a Portugal side that had been heavily criticised for their 1-1 draw with Congo DR and the European heavyweights went on the offensive from the first blow of the whistle.
Cristiano Ronaldo starred with a brace with Nuno Mendes, Rafael Leao and an own goal by Abduvokhid Nematov completed the win for Portugal.
Uzbekistan were denied a superb goal by Azizjon Ganiev at 2-0 when it was disallowed for a foul in the build-up, and Cannavaro admitted that drained confidence from his players.
Cristiano Ronaldo starred with a brace with Nuno Mendes, Rafael Leao and an own goal by Abduvokhid Nematov completed the win for Portugal.
Uzbekistan were denied a superb goal by Azizjon Ganiev at 2-0 when it was disallowed for a foul in the build-up, and Cannavaro admitted that drained confidence from his players.
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“The goal that was disallowed really had an impact on our confidence. It was a shame because we started playing just as we did against Colombia, we were playing boldly.
“I asked them to be more courageous, to play football and not to be afraid. If you have that mindset you can grow as a team and grow individually. We are here to gain experience even if we are to lose.”
Photos: FIFA via Getty Images
“I asked them to be more courageous, to play football and not to be afraid. If you have that mindset you can grow as a team and grow individually. We are here to gain experience even if we are to lose.”
Photos: FIFA via Getty Images
