Uzbekistan will make their World Cup debut against Colombia on Thursday in Mexico City. The match is the second fixture in Group K.
The White Wolves qualified automatically after conceding just 11 goals in 16 matches. Centre-back Rustam Ashurmatov said the side must avoid individual mistakes and fight for the full 90 minutes.
Colombia impressed in qualifying with wins over Argentina and Brazil. Midfielder Juan Portilla noted Uzbekistan’s fast transitions and attacking full-backs as key threats to counter.
Team news shows Uzbekistan without Husniddin Aliqulov due to knee surgery while James Rodriguez has returned for Colombia after dehydration issues. Kick-off is set for 03:00 BST with coverage on BBC One.
Predicted line-ups feature Eldor Shomurodov up front for Uzbekistan and Luis Suarez leading the attack for Colombia. The fixture marks Fabio Cannavaro’s first World Cup as Uzbekistan manager.
