Uzbekistan national team defender Rustam Ashurmatov gave a comprehensive interview to Kun.uz, discussing the team's performance at the World Cup, preparation for the tournament, mistakes, and emotions. The footballer admitted that the team did not expect such a warm welcome upon their return and promised to make amends at the Asian Cup.

On preparation for the World Cup: 'We reached the playoffs of the Asian Cup. After that, we had friendly matches against strong teams. We needed to play against World Cup-level teams to test ourselves and identify weaknesses. The match against Canada, as difficult as it was, showed us our weak points.'

Why did you decide to fly to Canada 14 hours before the game? 'We thought the venue was chosen by the Canadian side, as it was convenient for them. We were surprised, but we had to play. We needed to test ourselves, even in difficult conditions. That match revealed all our mistakes.'

On the atmosphere at the World Cup: 'The World Cup is a completely different level. We felt it when we took the field against Colombia. The stadium was buzzing, with 8,000 Colombian fans. It's indescribable. You have to experience it once.'

Did you feel support from compatriots? 'Of course. We felt that all of Uzbekistan was cheering for us. Even those who don't understand football drew flags and filled social media. It was our first World Cup, natural excitement. But we tried not to dwell on it.'

On Fabio Cannavaro: 'He brought a lot. He brought a nutritionist, a physiotherapist, and a doctor who worked at five World Cups. He changed the diet, sleep schedule, and organization. It may not be visible externally, but everything changed internally. He raised the level of professionalism. But time is needed – just like with Katanez, who struggled in the first year and started showing results in the second.'

On matches against Colombia, Portugal, and Congo: 'We planned to play defensively against Colombia and see what the opponent was capable of. The first half was almost equal, but we conceded at the end. If that goal hadn't happened, the game could have gone differently. The 0-5 defeat to Portugal was hard, especially for me as a defender. Ronaldo just showed his level, and we have to acknowledge that. He simply got past me and scored – nothing I could do.'

How did you motivate yourself after such defeats? 'We didn't have time to be upset. We had to forget and prepare for the next match. We are professionals. If we had lost spirit, we could have conceded five against Congo too. We must maintain face and morale.'

On the match against Congo and the playoffs: 'We knew we needed to score seven or eight goals. It was almost impossible. But after the first quick goal, hope appeared. We tried, but the opponent needed the win more – they were advancing. If we had needed a draw or a win without goal difference, we would have managed. But we had to go all out, and that took its toll.'

On Abbos Fayzullayev and his goal against Colombia: 'When Abbos scored the first goal in Uzbekistan's history at the World Cup, I ran to him first. It was emotional. But we conceded due to small mistakes. At this level, every mistake is punished. In Asia, one out of four mistakes might become a goal; here, every mistake becomes a goal.'

On Bahrom Abdurakhmonov and the youth: 'We really missed Jaloliddin Masharipov. And Alikulov too. They are among the best in their positions. Masharipov influences not only on the field but also in the dressing room and psychologically. Bekhruz Karimov is the discovery of the World Cup. I told Cannavaro during a friendly against Gabon that he is a good find for the national team. He has speed, technique, and strength. He is small but has everything.'

On physical fitness: 'Many said we faded physically at the end of matches. I disagree. I was on the field and had energy for another half. No one fell or stopped. We ran the same as at the start. The physical condition was good – Cannavaro confirmed it with statistics.'

On the reception at the airport: 'We did not expect such a welcome. We even felt awkward. We didn't advance from the group, didn't win, yet they greeted us like heroes. Thank you, but we didn't deserve it. The president supported us and organized a meeting, but internally we didn't accept it. It's an advance for future victories.'

On Cannavaro's phrase 'we must enjoy': 'In Europe, they say that. It's not about football on the field – it's about the atmosphere, being at the World Cup, playing against top footballers, which not everyone gets to do. On the field, you still fight, work, run, but football is also a show, like a circus, as I understand it.'

On the brightest memory: 'The brightest is simply making it to the World Cup. But I have nothing to tell my grandchildren yet – we lost. I hope next time there will be something to tell.'

Promise to fans: 'Thank you for your support. We will work even harder, we promise to give our all at the Asian Cup. We will try to compensate for the World Cup defeats with victories at the Asian Cup. We hear you and believe we will justify your trust.'

Source: kun.uz