Uzbekistan Coach Timur Kapadze praised the efforts of his players after the Central -Asian country qualified for the first time for the World Cup.
De Witte Wolves claimed their place at the extensive 48 team 2026 Finals on Thursday with a 0-0 tie in the United Arab Emirates, who guaranteed a top-two finish in group A, in addition to already qualified Iran.
Uzbekistan tried and did not succeed in qualifying seven times since their independence after the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991, with Hartzeer in the final phase of continental qualifications for Germany 2006 and Brazil 2014.
A real strength in Asia since their 1994 Asian Games, the Uzbekistan FA has invested heavily in the development of young people in the attempt to take the final step on the world stage.
Kapadze has the dividends harvest with a young generation of players, including the 21-year-old center of Manchester City, available to Abdukodir Khusanov.
“We achieved an important result after a long and difficult journey. A lot of work was done for this result, I sincerely congratulate our people,” Kapadze told the online publication of Uzbekistan Zamin.
“This is not only our victory, but the victory of our whole people. Our players showed determination in every match, worked with all their power and we achieved the result …”
Kapadze, who played 119 times for Uzbekistan and led the under-23 team during last year's Olympic Games, was appointed coach after Srecko Katanec left in January due to illness.
“Before the game (everyone) expressed their confidence in the victory of our team and expected a good result from us,” he said.
“This trust was also a great responsibility and pressure for us. But we managed to overcome this pressure and complete the task.”
Kapadze was harassed by his players in his press conference after the game and received a congratulation interest from the Uzbekistan president Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
“In a fierce competition against the strongest teams in Asia, you demonstrated real character, unbreakable will and professionalism,” said Mirziyoyev.