The head coach of the Uzbekistan national team, Fabio Cannavaro, shared his impressions after the decisive match of the FIFA Series 2026 tournament. In his opinion, the match against Venezuela (0:0, penalties 5:4) was meaningful and effective for the team.
"I think it was a very good match. We controlled the field and created enough chances to open the score in normal time, but we could not convert them into goals. Thanks to the guys, they showed a strong-willed and disciplined game. You need to be strong mentally and physically to win two matches in a short period of time," said the Italian specialist.
Cannavaro analyzed the team's play and acknowledged the superiority in high pressing and one-on-ones. "We started the game very well. We pressed high, we dominated in one-on-ones. In defense, all the players need to work in harmony with each other. Defense is not only the task of the defenders, but also requires integration with the midfielders," he said.
Speaking about set pieces, Cannavaro noted that he does not have much time for them, but there are players who perform the set pieces well, such as Otabek Shukurov and Aziz Ganiev. Regarding physical preparation, he noted the improvements that have occurred in the players due to their experience in the Super League and said that he expects them to be in shape by the summer.
"Set pieces? We do not have much time to work on this, but we have given the guys the necessary instructions. We have two players who perform the set pieces well: Otabek Shukurov and Aziz Ganiev.
Physical condition? We are working on it, we are improving. The players in the Super League have now played 4 rounds, and by the summer they will improve their physical condition even more,” said the Italian specialist.
Commenting on the participation of goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov, Cannavaro stressed that his inclusion on the field was not a penalty shootout, but a planned decision. At the same time, he pays special attention to youth scouting and the future development of the team.
The head coach noted that the situation at the World Cup will be different, with a high level of speed and competition.
“The World Cup? It will be different there, different from friendlies. The speed is high at the World Cup. But since I arrived, I have only seen growth in the national team,” said Fabio Cannavaro.
Cannavaro believes that the tight schedule in the Super League and injuries at the beginning of the season are normal, and has intensified medical and technical work to ensure the long-term effectiveness of the players.
"The tight schedule and injuries in the Super League? Injuries at the beginning of the season are normal. We have also strengthened the medical staff and brought in specialists. We are working to ensure that the players can play at a good level for a long time. It is important for us that they play at a high level for a long time, not just temporarily. Of course, the guys also need to sleep and follow a routine," said the Italian specialist.
It should be recalled that the Uzbekistan national team won the tournament by defeating Gabon (3:1) and Venezuela (0:0, pen. 5:4) at the FIFA Series 2026 tournament in Tashkent. This result is of great significance for the national team and gives reason to consider Uzbekistan as a promising country in future international competitions.
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