Russia 2018 Asian Qualifiers Final Round: Uzbekistan v Syria preview

Published on: 31 August 2016

Tashkent: Uzbekistan and Syria will both be attempting to qualify for their first ever FIFA World Cup Finals as they clash in the first match of the final Group Stage.

Potential Line-ups

  • Uzbekistan coach Samvel Babayan thinks the squad's cohesiveness is their strength
  • Syria will hope to cause an upset against their more fancied opponents, says coach Ayman Alhakim
  • Uzbekistan defender Egor Krimets is suspended for this game
  • Uzbekistan topped Group H with an almost perfect record of seven wins and a loss in the previous round of qualifying
  • Syria qualified for the third round of qualifying by virtue of finishing second in Group E with six wins and two losses
  • Match Details
    Date: 1 September 2016 (Thursday)
    Kickoff time: 9.00pm UST, 4.00pm GMT
    Venue: Bunyodkor Stadium, Tashkent
    Referee: Ryuji Sato (Japan)

    Coach Quotes

    Samvel Babayan, Uzbekistan
    “We will begin the third round of qualifiers for FIFA World Cup 2018 tomorrow. Syria are a good team and they have a strong attacking line. Our aim is to achieve victory in this game.

    “I have known all the players in this national team for a long time; they are like one family now. We will think how to play our football and achieve victory. I hope we can do it to give happiness to Uzbekistan people in the 25th year of our Republic Independance Day.”

    Ayman Alhakim, Syria
    “Uzbekistan are a strong team and Thursday's match will be very difficult for us. I can say it will be a big challenge for my team but we want to show maximum effort against Uzbekistan because every game and point will be very important for teams.

    “Of course there are favourites before every game of football, but you can never predict the result before the match. Our opponents are strong and we have to play very well against them.”

    Head to Head Record
    The two teams have never met in a competitive fixture

    Form
    Uzbekistan WWLWW
    Syria LLLWD

    Ones to Watch

    Sardor Rashidov, Uzbekistan
    Sardor Rashidov was Uzbekistan’s top scorer in the second round of qualifying and the form of the exciting El Jaish winger is sure to be pivotal in his nation’s success on the road to Russia. Having enjoyed a successful 2015/2016 season with Qatari side El Jaish, Rashidov, 25, also helped the Doha-based club to a first-ever AFC Champions League quarter-final appearance. Rashidov has been an almost permanent fixture for his country since making his international debut for the White Wolves in October 2013.

    Omar Khribin, Syria
    Talented forward Omar Khribin is arguably one of the most exciting forwards to emerge from the gulf nations in recent times. Top scoring for Syria in the second round of 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying, the 22-year-old also enjoyed a superb season at Al Dhafra in the UAE top flight where he was named the Fan’s Player of the Year in May. Khribin excels as either a false 10 or up front with his physical and technical skills making him the complete forward.

    Source: the-afc.com

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