Captain Djeparov believes Uzbekistan can win Asian Cup

DOHA - Captain Server Dejparov, who scored the second goal in Uzbekistan’s 2-0 defeat of Qatar in the opening game of the Asian Cup Friday, believes his side can go on to win the tournament.

Uzbekistan’s opening goal in the Group A match was scored by Odil Akhmedov.

Djeparov, who plays his club football in South Korea for FC Seoul, said that the victory had been a great way to open the tournament. “But it is only one game and three points. We can be happy now, but it means nothing if we do not follow it up.

“I have said before and I will say it again, I think we have a very good side and can win this tournament.”

For the host it was a disappointing start to the tournament as they will have a mountain to climb if they want to advance to the quarter-finals from Group A, that includes China and Kuwait.

Their coach Bruno Metsu accepted responsibility for the defeat. “If the team loses, it is the coach who is responsible and if there is a problem, the problem lies with the coach not the players.”

He admitted, though, that he was unhappy with his side’s performance. “We played a very bad game, I believe we played under a lot of pressure.

“Under this pressure they forgot everything. There were many young players and I think they were a bit overwhelmed by the occasion.”

Although neither side scored in the opening half, the first 45 minutes provided thrilling end-to-end stuff with both teams having several scoring opportunities to go ahead.

Both sides hit the woodwork in the first half, with Alexander Geynrikh, whose shot was deflected against the post, coming close for Uzbekistan, while Fabio Cesar saw his free-kick bounce out of play from the upright.

The opening goal came a minute after goalkeeper Oasem Burhan pushed a long-range effort over the crossbar.

The resulting corner kick gave the Uzbeks the break they were looking for as the ball came to Akhmedov whose shot from the edge of the area curved through two defenders before crashing against the crossbar and then into goal.

Djeparov said it had been a wonderful goal. “Everybody saw just how good it was and it set us on the way to victory.”

Uzbekistan could have scored a second a few minutes later when Burhan pulled off a one-handed save from a shot by substitute Sanjar Tursunov.

Qatar midfielder Khalfan Ibrahim gifted Uzbekistan their second goal in the 78th minute when he attempted to play the ball across the area and Dejparov had a free shot at goal.

Metsu said he could not criticise Ibrahim for the mistake. “We all make mistakes and the player is young and tried his very best. It is wrong to want to criticise him,” he said.

Uzbekistan suffered an injury scare midway through the second half as Timur Kapadze had to go off to be treated for a cut over his eye after being elbowed. He received five stitches after the game.

The second group match sees China face Kuwait Saturday.