Cannavaro: Uzbekistan Prepares Seriously for World Cup

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A press conference was held at the National Football Center in Tashkent featuring first vice president of the Uzbekistan Football Association Ravshan Irmatov and national team head coach Fabio Cannavaro, focusing on the team’s preparation for the upcoming World Cup.

Fabio Cannavaro said the Uzbekistan national team is undergoing active and targeted preparation for the tournament.

He noted that the coaching staff is closely analyzing the condition of all players, with final squad decisions based on current form and readiness.

The Italian coach emphasized that particular attention is being paid to physical preparation. He said strong opponents had been selected for a series of friendly matches, including the national teams of Canada national football team and Netherlands national football team, which he said would provide a high level of competition and help assess the team’s potential under near-tournament conditions.

Cannavaro also commented on the condition of several players. He highlighted the experience of Jaloliddin Masharipov, noting that he can contribute significantly when in optimal form. He also pointed to Abbosbek Fayzullaev, praising his work ethic and fighting spirit, while naming Abdukodir Khusanov and Eldor Shomurodov among those in good form.

The head coach said the upcoming World Cup will be the first in Uzbekistan’s history and stressed the importance of reducing psychological pressure on players so they can focus on their performance and enjoy the experience. He expressed confidence that the team would do its utmost to represent the country with dignity.

Cannavaro also said the upcoming AFC Asian Cup in January will be a serious test, noting that group opponents are of a high level.

He stated that one of the team’s goals is to win the tournament, while World Cup participation is seen as an important stage for gaining experience.

Ravshan Irmatov presented the national team’s World Cup preparation plan during the press conference, emphasizing the systematic nature of the work and the team’s long-term objectives.