On June 27, the Uzbekistan national team will play against the Democratic Republic of Congo at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta as part of the World Cup.

On the eve of the match, head coach Fabio Cannavaro held a press conference, stating that the game will be easier than previous ones and the team is focused only on victory.

"Tomorrow's opponent is much easier compared to Colombia and Portugal. Theoretically, it will be a bit easier for us because we have already faced the strongest team in terms of squad. We are thinking about a positive result," said the Italian specialist.

Cannavaro also explained why Abduvohid Nematov became the starting goalkeeper: "Nematov has performed well since my arrival to the national team and in friendly matches. I gave him a chance. At the World Cup, everyone should gain experience. If I have such a good goalkeeper, why not use him?"

In the matches against Colombia and Portugal, 22 players took the field. Four players have yet to debut at this World Cup: third goalkeeper Botirali Ergashev, Avazbek Ulmasaliyev, Umar Eshmurodov, and Jamshid Iskandarov.

Cannavaro noted that it is good that all players have gained playing experience against top opponents. He also reminded that Uzbekistan must reach the level of Asian teams such as Japan, Australia, Jordan, and Iraq.

Source: kun.uz