Uzbekistan national football team head coach Fabio Cannavaro said at a press conference in Fergana on September 23 that the Uzbek side had indeed tried to arrange a friendly match with Argentina, but the Argentine side changed its decision about three weeks before the planned game. According to him, the match was supposed to be held in Argentina because it was intended to be Lionel Messi's farewell game.
"Yes, it's true, we tried to play against Argentina. Unfortunately, about three weeks before the game, their federation decided to hold the match in Argentina because it was supposed to be [Lionel] Messi's last game," he said. Messi's farewell match will take place on October 6 at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires: Argentina will face Benin.
According to Cannavaro, the Uzbek side tried to find another high-level opponent. Speaking about the Syria national team, Cannavaro noted that they are certainly not at Argentina's level, but nevertheless are considered a strong opponent and are capable of putting up serious resistance. Speaking about the upcoming match with Iran, Cannavaro noted that the Uzbekistan national team needs exactly such games. At the time of preparing this news, the match ended with a 3:1 victory for Uzbekistan.
"After the World Cup, we are facing a very good team. I asked the federation to always organize difficult games whenever possible, because we should play against top national teams. Iran is one of the strongest national teams in Asia, their players have vast experience. I think such matches will be very useful for us," said the head coach. Team captain Eldor Shomurodov noted that after a long break, the team gathered with a significantly renewed squad, but the task remained unchanged. "Our goal has not changed — as always, to go into every game for victory. I think tomorrow there will be a great atmosphere. Our goal is to make the fans happy with a victory," he said.
Cannavaro also commented on the absence of several players who participated in the World Cup (Ikrom Aliboyev, Jamshid Iskanderov, and others) from the current squad. "The doors are open for everyone. After the World Cup, some players had problems with their physical form, and some got injured. Therefore, I think it is completely natural to give others an opportunity in the national team," he said. According to the coach, the coaching staff continues to monitor players not involved in this camp. He noted that after the World Cup, some players got injured, some could not find a club, and others' level of play declined.
Cannavaro was also asked a separate question about the youngest player called up to this camp — 16-year-old Muhammad Hakimov. "He is among the players we have been following for a long time. Our plan is to give him, like others, a few minutes and a chance to play. One thing must be clearly understood: there is no such thing as young or old here, this is the national team. If a young player has skill and prospects, he will certainly get an opportunity," said Cannavaro. The coach added that age itself cannot be the main criterion when selecting experienced players: if a player can play at the required level, he can be called up to the national team.
A large part of the press conference was devoted to the renewal of the squad. One of the journalists asked Cannavaro whether the coaching staff has clear selection criteria and noted that some players who have shown themselves in the Super League did not receive a call-up. Cannavaro said the coaching staff is looking for talented players who are in good physical form and capable of strengthening the national team. "I don't understand why calling up other players should be a problem. Football is football — everyone sees it differently. If I see something in you, I will call you tomorrow morning. If you know how to play football and can help us," he said. The coach recalled that previously journalists criticized the national team for being limited to almost the same 22-23 players. "Yesterday you called it a revolution. It is not a revolution. For me, it is giving an opportunity to players who are performing well or who in the future can help further strengthen our national team. I respect your point of view and hope you respect mine," said Cannavaro. The coach noted that the staff takes into account the players' current physical form, injuries, and potential, and the squad may change again in the future. Cannavaro particularly noted that the doors of the national team are open to all players.
Goalkeepers: Abduvohid Nematov (Nasaf), Vladimir Nazarov (Pakhtakor), Edem Nemanov (Dinamo Samarkand), Samandar Muratboyev (Nasaf). Defenders: Abdukodir Khusanov (Manchester City, England), Nurmuhammad Abduganiyev (Neftchi), Muhammadrasul Abdumajidov (Pakhtakor), Mahmudjon Mahamadjonov (Dynamo Makhachkala, Russia), Muhammad Hakimov (Bunyodkor), Hojiakbar Alijonov (Pakhtakor), Sherzod Nasrullayev (Pakhtakor), Behruzjon Karimov (Lugano, Switzerland), Giyosjon Rizoqulov (Qizilqum), Jahongir Orozov (Rubin Kazan, Russia). Midfielders: Umarali Rahmonaliyev (Sabah, Azerbaijan), Dostonbek Hamdamov (Pakhtakor), Akmal Mozgovoy (Pakhtakor), Azizjon Ganiyev (Baniyas, UAE), Odiljon Hamrobekov (Tractor, Iran), Abbosbek Fayzullayev (Basaksehir, Turkey), Jasur Jaloliddinov (Sogdiana), Ruslan Jiyanov (Navbahor), Sardor Bahromov (Nasaf), Sherzod Esanov (Bukhara), Aziz Kholmurodov (OKMK), Azizbek Tulkunbekov (Bunyodkor), Behruz O'ktamov (Surxon), Diyor Kholmatov (Navbahor). Forwards: Eldor Shomurodov (Basaksehir, Turkey), Azizbek Amonov (Dinamo), Husayn Norchayev (Navbahor), Muhammadali O'rinboyev (Antwerp, Belgium). Upcoming friendly matches: October 1 — vs Syria, October 6 — vs South Korea.
Source: www.gazeta.uz