Hello & welcome to mynewsports.com live blog for the AFC Asian Cup 2019 Group F encounter between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
Both the sides have had contrasting starts to their Asian Cup campaigns. While Uzbekistan managed to get all three points against Oman despite going one man down late in the second half. Their 2-1 victory saw them move up to the second place in the group which features Japan and Oman as well.
Dubai: Uzbekistan head coach Hector Cuper said his side’s AFC Asian Cup’s Central Asian ‘derby’ against Turkmenistan will be won by the best prepared team, ahead of the Matchday Two clash at Rashid Stadium.
With three points in the bag after their 2-1 win over Oman, the White Wolves can seal their place in the Round of 16 with a win over their neighbours, and continue their impressive record of not missing the knockout stage since 2000.
Speaking ahead of the tie, Cuper said he had been impressed by a Turkmenistan side which led Japan before ultimately losing 3-2 in their opening match.
Match preview
| Turkmenistan | v | Uzbekistan |
“Turkmenistan had a really good performance against Japan, which is one of the big sides of the Asian continent,” said the former Inter Milan and Valencia boss.
“We can theoretically watch them and analyse them but it’s really different to see them on the pitch.
“They are a team with good discipline and, moreover, they are very good down the left wing. These are the main advantages of Turkmenistan, but each team has their own style and will play their own football.
“The team that will win will be the better prepared team for this game.”
Uzbekistan’s success against Oman, sealed in the 85th minute by Eldor Shomurodov, was their seventh win in their past nine AFC Asian Cup group stage matches dating back to 2007.
Their recent record in Asia’s major championship is admirable and, in Cuper, they have a head coach with the experience of guiding Egypt to the 2017 African Cup of Nations Final.
