Uzbekistan’s Yakhshiboev desperate for Olympic berth

Uzbekistan - similar to their 2018 run - endured a rocky group stage campaign as they finished runners-up in Group C and Yakhshiboev now expects an even tougher test, with the White Wolves facing UAE in the quarter-finals on Sunday.  

Advancing to the semi-finals would mean Uzbekistan will be just one match away from the Olympics, with the top three teams to earn berths to Tokyo 2020 and Yakhshiboev said as tough as it may seem, the Central Asians are determined to defend their title.

“The tournaments are different,” said Yakhshiboev in an exclusive interview with the-AFC.com.

“Two years ago, the weather was different for example, and even though we could achieve victory then, it was only about the trophy, but now, we have a chance to qualify for the Olympic Games, which is an important objective for us as players and the Uzbek fans.

“Everyone in the team feels that responsibility and we are trying to do our best. For me, as a player, I only have this one opportunity to reach the Olympics.”

Yakhshiboev scored a spectacular goal against Japan in the 2018 quarter-finals, but the FC AGMK midfielder has yet to find the back of the net in Thailand 2020.

“Unfortunately I haven’t been able to score any goals yet in this tournament.

“Every forward should score or create chances, and I hope in the upcoming match, I am able to."

“We haven’t played any teams from West Asia in the tournament, but we’ve actually played several teams from that region during our training camps, which includes UAE.

“We know very well how they play. They are strong, but we’ve learned a lot about them and I hope that we can play our best game against them.

“Most of my teammates have already played in the AFC Champions League, and they know how to motivate themselves. Everyone in the team will try their best.”