FIFA World Cup
Fabio Cannavaro’s side know victory isn't likely to be enough to seal qualification to the next stage but it will allow Uzbekistan to make a statement in their global stage debut.
"Congo is a more winnable match for us because ever since the draw for the group was made, I've always maintained that against Colombia and Portugal we would have to suffer a great deal," said Cannavaro, who captained Italy to FIFA World Cup glory 20 years ago.
It has been a humbling introduction to the world stage for the White Wolves. A 3-1 defeat to Colombia on the opening day was followed by a 5-0 defeat to Portugal, leaving the Central Asian bottom of the group.
Yet their campaign has not been without moments of encouragement – Abbosbek Fayzullaev’s goal against Colombia gave Uzbekistan their first-ever FIFA World Cup goal, before Bekhruz Karimov rattled the bar from long-range in stoppage time.
It has been a humbling introduction to the world stage for the White Wolves. A 3-1 defeat to Colombia on the opening day was followed by a 5-0 defeat to Portugal, leaving the Central Asian bottom of the group.
Yet their campaign has not been without moments of encouragement – Abbosbek Fayzullaev’s goal against Colombia gave Uzbekistan their first-ever FIFA World Cup goal, before Bekhruz Karimov rattled the bar from long-range in stoppage time.
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Against Portugal, Aziz G’aniev also showed that Uzbekistan can carry a threat from distance, with his long-range strike in the 29th minute ruled out after initially giving Cannavaro’s side a rare moment of joy.
Those flashes will give Uzbekistan belief that they can still hurt Congo DR, especially if captain Eldor Shomurodov is given the service he needs in the final third.
Their all-time leading scorer remains their main attacking reference point, while Fayzullaev’s movement and G’aniev’s willingness to shoot from range offer Cannavaro different routes to goal.
Those flashes will give Uzbekistan belief that they can still hurt Congo DR, especially if captain Eldor Shomurodov is given the service he needs in the final third.
Their all-time leading scorer remains their main attacking reference point, while Fayzullaev’s movement and G’aniev’s willingness to shoot from range offer Cannavaro different routes to goal.
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"Trying to win a match at the World Cup is wonderful. It would be incredibly rewarding for my footballers because they have worked a lot," added former Juventus and Real Madrid defender Cannavaro.
"I have tried to lift them up many times. Trying to win the match tomorrow, first and foremost, I want to do this for my players. Then, I want us to grow as a team."
Congo DR, meanwhile, are also fighting to keep their tournament alive. Sebastien Desabre’s side sit third on one point after a draw with Portugal and a narrow defeat to Colombia, and victory would give them a realistic chance of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams.
"I have tried to lift them up many times. Trying to win the match tomorrow, first and foremost, I want to do this for my players. Then, I want us to grow as a team."
Congo DR, meanwhile, are also fighting to keep their tournament alive. Sebastien Desabre’s side sit third on one point after a draw with Portugal and a narrow defeat to Colombia, and victory would give them a realistic chance of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams.
Congo DR v Uzbekistan
Atlanta Stadium (Atlanta, Georgia)
Kick-off: Saturday, 19:30 (UTC-4)
Atlanta Stadium (Atlanta, Georgia)
Kick-off: Saturday, 19:30 (UTC-4)
