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FIFA World Cup
The Central Asian side’s long-awaited FIFA World Cup debut produced a moment to treasure, with Abbosbek Fayzullaev scoring the country’s first goal on the global stage but the 3-1 defeat to Colombia means there is little room for error heading into Matchday Two.
With Colombia having taken early control of the group and Portugal held 1-1 by Congo DR in their opener, Uzbekistan know that anything less than a win would leave their hopes of reaching the last 16 hanging by a thread.
With Colombia having taken early control of the group and Portugal held 1-1 by Congo DR in their opener, Uzbekistan know that anything less than a win would leave their hopes of reaching the last 16 hanging by a thread.
Head coach Fabio Cannavaro will take encouragement from the way his side stayed organised for long periods against Colombia, but the challenge will be significantly tougher against a Portugal side packed with attacking variety and determined to avoid another slip.
Uzbekistan’s hopes are likely to rest on their ability to remain compact, frustrate Portugal’s rhythm and make the most of the moments that fall to Fayzullaev and captain Eldor Shomurodov, who is their most experienced attacking outlet with 44 goals.
Uzbekistan’s hopes are likely to rest on their ability to remain compact, frustrate Portugal’s rhythm and make the most of the moments that fall to Fayzullaev and captain Eldor Shomurodov, who is their most experienced attacking outlet with 44 goals.
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The midfield battle will also be crucial, with the Central Asian side needing to limit the influence of Bruno Fernandes, Portugal’s creative force and one of the players most capable of unlocking a deep defensive block.
Fernandes, with 29 goals in 90 international appearances, will look to dictate the tempo and arrive late into dangerous areas, making Uzbekistan’s discipline without the ball just as important as their ambition when they do break forward.
Fernandes, with 29 goals in 90 international appearances, will look to dictate the tempo and arrive late into dangerous areas, making Uzbekistan’s discipline without the ball just as important as their ambition when they do break forward.
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Portugal will also view this as a must-win fixture after dropping points against Congo DR, but for Uzbekistan the stakes are even higher. Having already made history, Cannavaro’s side must now find a way to turn resilience into a result if they are to keep their debut FIFA World Cup campaign alive.
Portugal v Uzbekistan
Venue: Houston Stadium (Houston, Texas)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 12:00 (UTC-5)
Venue: Houston Stadium (Houston, Texas)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 12:00 (UTC-5)
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