India will be in action today against Uzbekistan in their second Group B clash in the ongoing AFC Asian Cup at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in Qatar. Despite a spirited performance, India lost 2-0 to Australia in the opening game while Uzbekistan were held to a goalless draw by Syria. So, this encounter becomes essentially a must-win clash for both teams to qualify for the next round.
Rankings
Uzbekistan – 68, India – 102
Head-to-Head Record
Six games have been played so far between these teams. India have failed to register a single win so far. The White Wolves have won four times while drawing two games. Both draws came in 1997 and 1998 respectively. Their last meeting was in the Merdeka Cup in 2001 where Uzbekistan were victorious, 2-1.
Despite the opening-game loss, Igor Stimac and his boys had an impressive outing against the Aussies as they managed 69% pass accuracy, their highest in any of their last five AFC Asian Cup matches. Both the centre-backs, Rahul Bheke and Sandesh Jhingan, made four blocks each in that clash.
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A much important encounter for both India and Uzbekistan in today’s #AFCAsianCup encounter! Both teams look forward to register a win and keep the hopes alive for the qualification to the next round.
On paper, Uzbekistan are a better side with a superior head to head record, but… pic.twitter.com/y90oG8hjeR
— RevSportz (@RevSportz) January 18, 2024
As per latest reports from our correspondents in Doha, India might include Akash Mishra in the starting line-up to add some more pace down the flanks. For the Uzbeks, Umarbek Eshmurodov had an accuracy of 98% from his 57 passes in the opening game. The centre-back led the backline and will be a challenge again for India’s attackers.
Srecko Katanec’s Impact
Interesting will be the tactical battle between Stimac and Srecko Katanec. Katanec has been impressive since joining the team back in August 2021. In today’s world of pressing football, Katanec’s philosophy of playing the waiting game has worked wonders so far. In the 2023 CAFA Nations Cup, Uzbekistan finished runners-up, and in a friendly against Mexico, they managed a 3-3 draw. Before Katanec’s arrival, Uzbekistan were ranked outside the top 10 in Asia but currently, they are the ninth-ranked team.
Players to watch out for from Uzbekistan
Abdulkodir Khusanov
This 19-year-old defender had a solid game against Syria and will look to continue his form against the Blue Tigers. In 2023, Khusanov was a part of the U-20 AFC Asian Cup-winning squad. He also joined the Ligue 1 side, FC Lens, last year and has played in the UEFA Champions League. In June 2023, he made his international debut against Oman.
Jaloliddin Masharipov
This left winger has vast experience and will look to trouble India’s defenders with his pace and dribbling abilities. Masharipov is currently leading the side and the skipper has a fantastic bond with Oston Uronov. Hence, that duo could be a lethal one for Sandesh Jhingan and Nikhil Poojary to deal with. In 53 matches, he has 11 goals to his name for the national side.
Oston Uronov
This 23-year-old striker will look to do well after a disappointing game against Syria. In the absence of injured Eldor Shomurodov, their regular captain and highest-scorer in their history (38 goals in 69 appearances), Uronov is the most reliable striking option for Katanec. Since 2023,Uronov has 12 goals in 27 matches for his club, Navabahor Namangan. He also has a knack of dropping deep to combine with wingers in order to threaten the opposition defence.
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