Seemingly ever present on the periphery of the Asian elite, Uzbekistan’s golden generation missed their chance of qualifying for the World Cup in Russia, after a conservative and ultimately ineffectual qualification campaign. Emerging from the dust, a team in transition, devoid of top quality experience and sustained high level minutes, is headed by the well renowned coach Hector Cuper, tasked with crawling back credibility in January’s Asian Cup on the path to 2022.
The last four years have seen peak Uzbekistan come to the fore. Moments of promise, matches exuding influence, only to come unstuck at the final hurdle; this is what we’ve grown to expect from this nation’s football. The golden generation, headed by the likes of Server Djeparov, Azizbek Haydarov and Alexander Geynrikh ground to a halt in qualification, in all honesty in similar fashion to the way they have done at the end of many a World Cup cycle.
Their campaign as a whole lacked attacking intent or artistic character. There were the odd results of note; the 5-1 away victory over Philippines and the 1-0 away win in Qatar spring to mind, yet there were some real clangers too; the 4-2 defeat to North Korea, and 1-0 loss to Syria, culminating in their pursuit of a lucky loser spot ebbing out of reach. Two Uzbek coaches had a go, with little demonstrative difference in style or structure; Messrs Qosimov & Babyan fell by the wayside.
A change in management was required, and with the appointment of Argentinian coach Hector Cuper comes a distinct shift in prestige, if not style. The former Valencia manager is fresh off the back of qualifying Egypt for their first World Cup in 25 years, and but for an injury to Mohammed Salah on the run up to the tournament, could’ve experienced better results in Russia.
His style, as alluded to, matches the Uzbek philosophy of old. Defensively cautious, with a heavy reliance on experienced campaigners over fledgling talent. This comes at a transitional point, where the latter promises more than the former however. Uzbekistan’s youth setup has been blossoming over the last 10 years; making it to the semi-final stage on three of their last five U19s appearances, while progressing out of the group stage at the U20 World Cup in both 2013 and 2015.
The culmination of their youth progress came in Indonesia this year, where they pushed heavy favourites South Korea, equipped with many senior internationals playing at the top level of European football, in the Asian Games quarter finals, awakening the continent to a crop of players that are set to step into the exiting golden generation’s shoes going into the next World Cup cycle.
While Cuper initially seemed aloof in trusting youth, he has since tinkered with using a number on the run up to the Asian Cup. A likely midfield trio of Odil Hamrobekov, Dostonbek Khamdamov and Ikromjon Alibaev looks to have won over the coach in this department at least. Set free from a rigid, old fashioned approach, these are key examples of how Uzbek football can develop in the coming years.
The demise hasn’t been isolated to the national team however, with the Uzbek Super League finding it harder than ever to compete on the continental stage. Once upon a time Tashkent giants Pakhtakor and Bunyodkor ruled the roost at home and aboard, while these days the run of Lokomotiv Tashkent (who effectively swept up much of the national team squad) in 2016 apart, Uzbek representation on the continental club stage is evaporating before our eyes.
Key players of the exiting generation, the likes of Sardar Rashidov and Igor Sergeev have returned home after miserable stints in the Middle East and China respectively, while pillars of Uzbek football Odil Akhmedov and Vitaliy Denisov have struggled for game time since moving away from regular European football. The landscape is indeed changing, with a couple of young players looking to make the step up (the aforementioned Khamdamov & Eldor Shomurodov have made transfers to Russia, while centre midfielder Otabek Shukurov has moved to the UAE), but it’s very much in it’s infancy.
The one area of concern, amidst the bulging amount of talent coming through, is that of a leading man in attack. The very fact that Alexander Geynrikh returned from retirement to spur on their World Cup qualification campaign epitomised the dearth of options Uzbekistan have to play with. Igor Sergeev was meant to take on the mantle as their future number 9, but despite a promising Asian Cup four years ago, he can’t even find domestic form back in his home country, let alone his international quality of old.
It all leaves pressure firmly on the shoulders of Lokomotiv striker Marat Bikmaev, who at 32 is coming into the best form of his career, for both club and country. After several mixed years in Russia and Kazakhstan, he returned home to spearhead the “Lokomotiv era” that has ploughed on to date. Peaking as the league’s top scorer in 2017, Bikmaev has won three titles in as many seasons, securing the Uzbek Player of the Year accolade late last year.
There is plenty to get excited about with this young side, but a true assessment will likely be made after this tournament, as Uzbekistan set sights on their longer-term goal of qualifying for the World Cup. With the pressure relatively eased for now, it could well prove a blessing in disguise, if Cuper relinquishes his cautious tactical approach. Despite drawing Japan in the initial group phase, a provisionally promising run to the semis is on offer if they do indeed finish second. Just don’t rule them out making a big statement in the UAE.
Key Men
Head Coach - Hector Cuper (ARG)
Former Valencia and Internazionale boss who led Egypt to their first World Cup in over 25 years, has been tasked at replicating the same feat for his new employers Uzbekistan. Has a reputation for defensive tactics and trusting established veterans over the next generation of young players.
Star Player - Odil Akhmedov
Approaching a century of caps, the Uzbek skipper remains integral in both an attacking and defensive capacity. Has the awareness to knit the centre of midfield together, alongside the explosiveness to get on the end of attacking plays. Regularly fallen victim to China’s ever-changing foreigner rules in Shanghai SIPG's CSL title victory.
Under Pressure - Igor Sergeev
Hyped up early in his 20’s to become Uzbekistan’s leading marksman for the next generation but has since stalled after moves to China and the UAE went array. Now back home with Pakhtakor, Sergeev has struggled to replicate his goal scoring form of old, yet given the dearth of quality in attacking areas, could still make the Asian Cup cut.
Young Prospect - Odil Hamrobekov
One of the stars of an impressive youth national team which has been so successful over the last five years. Cultured, holding midfielder with enough bite to take care of his defensive responsibilities. Predicted to be Azizbek Haydarov’s long-term replacement as the side’s anchor.
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