Uzbekistan
Twenty years of near-misses ended the day Uzbekistan booked their place at a World Cup for the very first time. When Asia's allocation grew to 8.5 slots, the country that had built its football quietly for decades finally crossed the line, becoming the first Central Asian nation ever to reach the tournament. Srečko Katanec, the well-travelled Slovenian who has coached his homeland, the UAE and Iraq, has shaped a side that is awkward to break down: compact, disciplined, content to defend and then strike. Up front, Roma's Eldor Shomurodov gives them a focal point, while Abbosbek Fayzullaev supplies the invention behind him. The White Wolves land in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia and DR Congo. A single point would be celebrated like a trophy back home.
Standings · K
After matchday 3 of 3| # | Team | MP | W | D | L | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | COL | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | +3 | 7 |
| 2 | POR | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | +5 | 5 |
| 3 | COD | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | +1 | 4 |
| 4 | UZB | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | -9 | 0 |