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Uzbeks aim for Group C top spot |
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Monday, 12 May 2008 |
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Uzbekistan hope to top Group C to avoid a potential quarter-final clash with Iran. BANGKOK – Uzbekistan will bid to claim first place in Group C with victory over Lebanon on Tuesday at the AFC Futsal Championship.
Aleksandr Petrov's side, who have defeated Malaysia 10-0 and Korea Republic 4-3 in their two fixtures to date, have the added incentive of avoiding a quarter-final tie with Iran, who are set to top Group D barring a slip up against Tajikistan.
Uzbekistan, runners-up in 2001 and 2006, have failed to meet Petrov's high standards so far, but victory over Lebanon would secure a last-eight meeting with either China or Tajikistan.
Korea could also progress at Lebanon's expense, if they can claim a large winning margin against Malaysia and Petrov hopes to be able to do the East Asians a favour.
“Today Korea played better than Lebanon,” said Petrov.
“Tomorrow we will play for the win and then help the Korea team to qualify.
“And of course we want to win the group to avoid Iran.”
Korea have suffered two late setbacks, conceding three goals inside the last 90 seconds to draw 5-5 with Lebanon on day one and then falling to Nikolay Odushev's winner against Uzbekistan.
But coach Jeong Jin-hyuk is optimistic of an improved display against bottom team Malaysia.
“We will show a better condition tomorrow and we shall be better,” said Jeong, although his mission could be hampered by injuries to two key players.
Captain Song Ho-young has a concern with his ankle, while Sin Han-kook is a major worry with a back problem and Jeong is not sure if the duo will be fit to participate on Tuesday
Dory Zakhour believes his unbeaten Lebanon side face a difficult challenge against Uzbekistan.
Lebanon remain unbeaten after the draw with Korea and the 6-4 defeat of Malaysia on day two.
However, Zakhour is concerned over injuries to key players, with captain Rabih Abou Chaaya, Takaji and Mahmoud Itani all playing through the pain barrier, and admits his side are troubled by the conflict ongoing at home.
“Our players are mentally not very good but we have to try to beat Uzbekistan,” Zakhour said.
Malaysia coach Poothathamby Balakrishnan is out to salvage some pride against Korea Republic.
With qualification for the next AFC Futsal Championship also at stake, P. Balakrishnan insists defeat is not an option.
“Pride is very important for our country,” he said.
“To win the game tomorrow is important so we qualify automatically for the next tournament.” |
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