Former head coach of the Uzbekistan national football team, Rauf Inileyev, emphasized the importance of the team's stability, consistent performance, and the health of key players ahead of the World Cup. According to him, the system established in recent years within the national teams represents the greatest achievement.
Inileyev highlighted that all Uzbekistan national teams have been demonstrating top-level performances in recent seasons. The main task now is to maintain this pace and stability. If the team continues on this path without deviation, it is possible to achieve respectable results not only in the World Cup but also in other major tournaments.
The former coach specifically remarked that simply qualifying for the World Cup is a significant historical achievement. He stated that the team earned its place in the tournament fully deservedly and not by chance. Naturally, fans and experts want the team to progress to the next stage. This aspiration is realistic, as the team has sufficient potential for it. The group does not include an absolute favorite or an underdog, allowing Uzbekistan to compete on an equal footing with all opponents.
In Inileyev's view, the most critical issue is the players' health. Modern football has become extremely fast-paced and physically demanding. If one of the key players gets injured, it could pose a serious challenge for the team, as there are not many backup options at the level of Shomurodov, Yusupov, or Husanov for every position.
Expressing his hopes, the former coach stated: if the team avoids injuries and enters the World Cup with an optimal squad, advancing from the group stage is entirely within reach. In summary, there is confidence, and the main objective is to maintain stability and not miss out on opportunities.
