Vadim Abramov used a 4-3-3 in the comfortable 2-0 win over host Qatar in the tournament opener, with a pyramid midfield, which featured two screeners in Kapadze and Haydarov at the base, with experienced schemer Djeparov advanced of them, at the point, free to roam as he wished.
Up front, Geynrikh was at the head of the formation and at the heart of most of the good things Uzbekistan did. While he was afford much room to meet the ball, turn and face goal, he did a splendid job, always presenting, looking to bring team-mates into the game, or taking aim at goal.
To Geynrikh’s right was the experienced Shatskikh, who had a muted role, happy to get the ball, keep it and bring others into it, rarely taking on his opponent.
Uzbekistan’s main forward thrust came from the other side, where the diminutive Khasanov toyed with Qatari right back Hamid Ismaeil, either dribbling past him or driving beyond him without the ball.
Most of Uzbekistan’s best work involved the combination between Geynrikh and Khasanov.
Four years ago the Uzbeks got much forward thrust down the left from marauding left back Vitaliy Denisov, but here we saw a more measured approach from the left back Juraev, who appeared happy to sit and do his defensive duties, knowing Khasanov, ahead of him, was doing enough.
It was the same on the other side of the defence, where Bunyodkor’s Karpenko was happy to hold, perhaps to ensure Qatar’s dangerous wide-left man, Hussain Yaser, was neutralised.
It was the same in the centre of defence, where Ismailov and Ahmedov featured. The latter was superb, doing the job of the match by bottling Qatar’s major threat, Sebastian Quintana. Whether the striker went left, right, or dropped into central midfield, Ahmedov followed, impressively keeping pace, and what’s more, when he got on the ball, he used it beautifully.
It was no surprise to learn Ahmedov is a natural midfielder, for he was forever stepping forward, culturally caressing the ball and creating an extra number, and his wonderful bended strike to break the deadlock was befitting of the number nine on his back.
With Fabio Cesar well looked after by Kapadze and Haydarov, and the front three of Yasser, Quintana and Jaralla unable to shake the Uzbek back four, Abramov’s men were well in control, allowing Geynrikh and Khasanov to flourish.
Bruno Metsu had no answer, especially when Djeparov got going in the second period, releasing himself from the hold of Lawrence.
When Khasanov was replaced by Tursunov three-quarters of the way in, Shatskikh went to the left, Tursunov to the right, and the emphasis of Uzbekistan’s attack shifted from left to right.
The option of using both Khasanov and Tursunov, either side of Geynrikh, is one that might tempt Abramov later in the tournament.
Tony Tannous
Expert
Hopefully the fact Japan and Saudi's slipped up will be a nice little reminder.
Tony Tannous
Expert
Thanks James, Uzbekistan were indeed well organised, but against a poor Qatar on this night, so a little too early to gauge how far they'll go. One thing's for sure, I was really impressed with their defence, especially Ahmedov, and that's always a handy foundation. Group B was an absolute gem this morning and demonstrated just how much passion, motivation and desire mean in football. Both were very aggressive, spurred on by some wonderful support, and it was great to watch. Nothing like seeing a pair of underdogs not only take it to the big guns, but shake up the competition. Neither have the quality of Iraq from four years ago, but they sure had the desire this night. I hope India do themselves proud, defend for their life just like Jordan and Syria, but that the result isn't quite so glorious.
Tony Tannous
Expert
Right on Ben. Was disappointed with Shatskikh, which is why it will be interesting to see if Tursurnov comes in for him at some stage. Server started quiet, but I thought he pretty much ran the show in the second period, happy to get the ball to feet and keep it moving.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Guest
Bahrain is the real banana skin in our group. Like Syria and Jordan they are able to play enough disciplined football to manufacture a result and unlike Syria & Jordan they have more strike power (though defensively are weaker than Jordan at least). The fact there are very few free passes is one of the things that makes this tournament quite enjoyable.
Peter Mahon
Guest
Yes we should beat India But be wary of the upset-a draw is always possible for a one off game-they will have huge support from the locals. If we play to our game plan then we will win But one has to be careful not to allow them to dictate the pace and level of the game. We need to be on the front foot and aggressive/positive - they may "Park the Bus" so we also need to be patient. Uzbekistan looked good but there were weakness's and inconstant defending - I do hope that India is competitive but Australia play well
James
Guest
Excellent tactical summary Tony. I didn't watch the game but looks like Uzbekies were pretty organized. How far can they go? And what about Group B this morning with a couple of big upsets, Jordan holding Japan and Syria knocking off Saudi Arabia, looks like the Asian Cup is warming up nicely. Surely no banana skin for the Socceroos tonight?
Rellum
Roar Guru
1-0 Jordan HT
MyLeftFoot
Roar Guru
35 min, still nil-all, Jordanians starting to spend plenty of time prostrate on the turf
MyLeftFoot
Roar Guru
25 min, disallowed goal for Japan, deemed offside, no replay from the preferred camera angle shown, I hope that's not going to be the case the whole tournament.
MyLeftFoot
Roar Guru
20 min, still nil-all, pattern already set, Japan keeping the ball well, attacking with purpose, always looking to free up an attacking player in and around the box, Jordanians just holding on.
MyLeftFoot
Roar Guru
Japan v Jordan 10 min in, nil-all, but Japan have had about 90% possession.
Twatter
Guest
Im enjoying this tournament a little more than the last one perhaps to me it was a little to new at the time. To now have some familiaraties with the likes of the Uzbeks Japanese and Qatari's who were in our qualifying group for world cup qualifiers i remember most of them. That the obvious question will come up from those who dont follow the sport religiuosly (they don't play like Ronaldo, Fabregas or Messi) then we can only hope the level of competition in asia can get better in years to come throughout the whole of asia for asian football.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Guest
I thought that either Shatskikh or Djeparov needed to get into the box more often and tended to be a little deeper than required. In the first half there were a myriad of opportunities where the ball crossed through the box, past an open net, and no Uzbek was either rushing into the box or lurking for a poach. Ahmedov's strike was truly a cracker though.
Vinay Verma
Roar Guru
I will pretend this game is not happening.
Vinay Verma
Roar Guru
If Harbhajan was playing football for india he would get red carded very soon!
Rusty0256
Guest
Thanks Tony, beat me to it. 12.15 ko is better, will at least get to bed at a reasonable time.
Rusty0256
Guest
Telecast on Foxsport from midnight Monday night / Tuesday morning - not sure kickoff time but probably 1am? If India 'park the bus' they may get away with a 3 or 4 goal defeat. If they open up it could be a massacre.
Tony Tannous
Expert
Vinay, it's on Monday night/Tuesday morning, midnight coverage, 12.15am ko, Live on Fox 2. I'd like to think that India might be competitive in this, for the world of football is a competitive place, but recent form and a FIFA ranking of 142 suggests they might be in some serious trouble. They've lost their last four games 6-3 (yemen), 2-0 (Iraq), 9-1 (Kuwait) and 5-0 (UAE), figures Harbajan Singh would be delighted with, but not the national football team. Hopefully they can rise, impress and make it a competitive game.
Vinay Verma
Roar Guru
Tony,is the game against India live and what time? Australia should win by three or more but I hope India are marginally competitive.
Tony Tannous
Expert
Qatar were indeed very poor, perhaps a touch of stage fright, although Uzbekistan planned to nullify their two major threats, Quintana and Cesar, and did a detailed job at that. Kuwait suffered a major blow this morning, not helped by Ben Williams, who missed a clear penalty to Bader Al Mutwa early on, and then what looked a goal line technology goal from a free kick. Williams did get the red card call right though, and that proved telling