Uzbeks confident ahead of crucial Qatar clash

AFC – TASHKENT, Coach Mirdjalal Kasimov insists Uzbekistan are fully focused on securing a maiden appearance at the FIFA World Cup ahead of Tuesday’s must-win meeting with Qatar.

The 2011 AFC Asian Cup semi-finalists suffered a 1-0 defeat by Korea Republic last week, and after seeing their five-match unbeaten streak ended in Seoul, Kasimov’s side slipped down to third place in Group A with just one game remaining after Iran beat Lebanon.

Uzbekistan must now beat Qatar, who saw their qualification chances ended by Iran at the start of June, to keep their hopes alive while table-topping Korea welcome Iran to Ulsan.

“We only have one target and that is to qualify for the World Cup. The players are ready and they will give their best,” said Uzbekistan coach Kasimov (pictured).

“The players have huge motivation for the match. We want to go to Brazil and we will fight until the end.”

Korea, who are a point clear at the top of the table, only need a draw to secure qualification, while a draw would also be enough for Iran as long as Uzbekistan fail to beat Qatar with the Central Asians only two points adrift.

Iran do hold a slightly superior goal difference should the pair finish level on points, with the side who misses out on automatic qualification earning a showdown with the third placed finisher from Group B for the right to enter an intercontinental play-off for a place at the finals next year.

“We will look to play attacking football and score goals by paying more attention to attacking,” added Kasimov.

“Qatar have some problems, but they have good players and they do not have any pressure which may be useful for them.”

Qatar’s 1-0 defeat by Iran two weeks ago means Fahad Thani’s side are now guaranteed a fourth place finish in Group A regardless of the result in Tashkent.

And with the 2022 World Cup hosts looking to end their final round campaign on a high, Thani is set to be without striker Sebastian Soria due to injury.

“We want to play beautiful football and do Qatari football proud. Our aim is to play our game,” said Qatar coach Thani.

“We respect our opponent, but we will look to play well. We have motivation and we are concentrating on the game. If we begin the match with an attacking approach that might be a mistake for us so we will look to play well throughout.

“We have good plans for the future. We want to be one of the strongest teams in Asia and we are looking to prepare for the Asian Cup qualifying games.”