Uzbekistan midfielder Server Djeparov speaks with the Philippine media during a pre-match presser Monday. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Being the highest ranked team in Group H of the 2018 Fifa World Cup Asian qualifiers at No.71, Uzbekistan sure is hoping to regain its position at the top when it clashes with the Philippine Azkals on Tuesday.
At 1-1, the Uzbeks are gunning for the full three points at Philippine Sports Stadium in Bocaue, Bulacan.
And for Uzbek midfielder Server Djeparov, his team’s goal is to win and nothing else.
“We came here to win. I hope we can go home with the result that we want,” he said.
New Uzbekistan coach Samvel Babayan echoed Djeparov’s sentiment, reiterating the squad’s goal in this Manila trip.
“Every match in our group is very important. We have to win every match,” he said.
Babayan doesn’t feel like his team still needs to adjust to his style with an important game ahead.
“With due respect to the Philippines, they are very well organized and have in-shape players, but I think we will do our best to play our game in our group.”
After two matches, Uzbekistan trails North Korea and the Philippines for the leadership of Group H.