Alisher Qodirov, chairman of the "National Revival" Democratic Party in the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, criticized the participation of the Uzbekistan national team in the World Cup and stated that the time has come to renew the squad.
He wrote about this on his Telegram channel following a 0:5 defeat against Portugal.
According to Qodirov, the national team needs to part ways with some experienced footballers and give opportunities to young players who can benefit the team in the upcoming qualification rounds.
"My opinion has changed. Along with the pipe dream of winning the Asian Cup, we must let go of the 'honored' ones in the squad and already in this competition field a lineup that will work in the next qualification period," he wrote.
Additionally, Qodirov emphasized that head coach Fabio Cannavaro should build the team around players such as Behruz Karimov, Abbos Fayzullaev, and Abduqodir Husanov, and identify a squad capable of competing in the next two World Cup qualification rounds.
Addressing the players, the deputy said that in the match against the Congo national team, they should play not for the fans, but first and foremost for their own pride.
"You are eating the footballer's bread, your pride is on fire, if I'm not mistaken. Play the game against Congo not for us, but for yourselves," Qodirov said.
At the same time, he noted that it is still too early to rank the Uzbekistan national team among Asia's strongest teams.
Let us recall that the Uzbekistan national team lost its first two matches in the World Cup, 1:3 to Colombia and 0:5 to Portugal.
