Ljubinko Drulovic: Uzbekistan U23 have good quality squad

“Our group is very difficult, with four very difficult teams, but we were preparing for this,” he said.

“At this moment, we are focused on the first game against Iran. After that we can prepare for the other two games.'

“I think we have a chance, and we have good quality, but our opponents are very, very competitive.

“We aren't facing any difficulties with injuries, weather or other conditions. Players are feeling good here. We called good quality players to the squad. So, believe us and we will back to Uzbekistan with a great result.”

Six of the title-winning squad from 2018 have returned, but they have a new coach in former FC Porto and Benfica star Ljubinko Drulovic, who aims to guide the Central Asian nation to the Olympics for the first time.

Five consecutive wins within the last month, and a healthy 23-man squad to choose from means Drulovic has ideal conditions to work with in that pursuit, but he insisted his side is focused only on Iran, and not the challenges to follow.

Uzbekistan will be hoping for a strong showing from in-form striker Bobir Abdixolikov, who comes into the tournament having scored a bagful of goals in friendly matches over the last three weeks, including a hat-trick against Iraq last month and a brace against Qatar in Bangkok on Friday.