Uzbekistan national team captain Otabek Shukurov shared his thoughts with journalists after the friendly match against Uruguay.
“Uruguay is a strong team that has its place in world football. Such matches are very important for the national team because at the World Cup we will face opponents of this level. I wish we could play such games at every training camp. Through matches like this, we can feel the atmosphere of the World Cup. Today’s match was a bit difficult, but we clearly understood what level we are currently at,” said Otabek Shukurov.
According to Shukurov, the team could not field its full lineup in today’s match.
“Seven of our main squad players could not take part today. Uruguay also had a similar situation. I myself am in the final stage of recovery. They played with their ‘third lineup,’ yet even that team showed how strong they are,” said the captain.
Otabek also emphasized the importance of physical development for the national team.
“Latin American teams are very strong physically. We are an Asian team, and we need to play not only against teams from our region but also against European, African, and Latin American sides. This will help us improve our physical condition,” Shukurov added.
According to him, this match was not just another game, but an important step in preparation for the upcoming World Cup. He noted that Uzbekistan’s national team can gain valuable experience and raise its level by playing against such strong opponents.
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