Asian Qualifiers. Uzbekistan aim to beat China in Wuhan | Preview

Uzbekistan travel to China on Thursday looking for the win that would keep them in second place in Group A and a first-ever appearance at FIFA World Cup firmly in their sights.

With two games remaining, the Uzbeks sit third in the standings but just a point adrift of second-placed Korea Republic, who they will meet on the final Matchday in Tashkent next week.

Back-to-back wins for the Central Asians would confirm the runners-up spot and automatic qualification to Russia, although the White Wolves have lost their last three fixtures on the road and face a China side that has shown steady progress under the stewardship of Italian Marcello Lippi.

A solitary point from their first four games meant China gave themselves a mountain to climb to reach Russia and, although they have suffered just one defeat in the ensuing four fixtures, the East Asians’ hopes of a  top-three finish are slim.

Victory at Wuhan Sports Centre Stadium would at least ensure China go into their final Group A match in Qatar next week with their faint hopes of claiming third place and a continental play-off berth still alive.

2018 World Cup – Asian Qualifiers

Match: China vs Uzbekistan

Venue: Wuhan Sports Centre Stadium

Date: 31 August 2017

Kick-off: 20:00 (GMT+2)

Source: AFC