Uzbekistan vs Colombia – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

World Cup debutants Uzbekistan, and Latin American Colombia, both kick off their journey in a Group K encounter on Thursday at the Mexico City Stadium.

Uzbekistan vs Colombia – Match preview and team news

Uzbekistan team news

Uzbekistan enters its first-ever World Cup match with a few key fitness concerns for manager Fabio Cannavaro.

Jaloliddin Masharipov is ruled out after missing recent warm-up friendlies with a nagging back injury. Ruslanbek Jiyanov is added to the squad in place of Jaloliddin.

The coaching staff is also carefully monitoring defender Khojiakbar Alijonov due to a calf issue and midfielder Aziz Ganiev following a minor knock.

More severely, defender Husniddin Aliqulov is completely ruled out of the tournament after undergoing knee surgery earlier this year.

Despite these setbacks, the White Wolves will rely on a very disciplined and compact defensive setup. Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov is set to anchor the back five.

Meanwhile, star striker Eldor Shomurodov will lead the line upfront, looking to exploit Colombia on the counter-attack.

Colombia team news

Colombia arrives at the tournament opener in excellent physical shape with no major injury worries for manager Nestor Lorenzo.

Captain James Rodriguez is fully fit and ready to lead the team after completely recovering from a severe dehydration scare in April.

Striker Jhon Cordoba is also available for selection after the medical staff successfully managed a minor tendon issue.

The South American giants are expected to deploy their signature aggressive, attacking style of play.

Camilo Vargas will start in goal behind a settled back four featuring Jhon Lucumi and Davinson Sanchez.

In the attack, Bayern Munich winger Luis Diaz will provide speed and creativity on the flank. He will link up with Rodriguez and Jhon Arias to support forward Luis Suarez.

Form

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan enters the tournament showing mixed form following a highly successful qualification run. Fabio Cannavaro’s squad started the year strong with a 3–1 win over Gabon and won on penalties after a scoreless draw against Venezuela in March.

However, the White Wolves struggled in their final World Cup warmups this June. They suffered a 2–0 defeat against Canada before losing a tight 2–1 battle to the Netherlands in New York.

Colombia

Colombia comes into the World Cup opener carrying great momentum. After finishing third in their tough South American qualifying group, the team stumbled slightly in March with friendly losses to Croatia and France.

However, Nestor Lorenzo’s men rebounded perfectly during June. Los Cafeteros secured a dominant 3–1 victory over Costa Rica and wrapped up preparations with a comfortable 2–0 win over Jordan.

Predicted lineups

Uzbekistan: Yusupov; Khusanov, Abdullaev, Ashurmatov; Sayfiev, Shukurov, Mozgovoy, Nazrullaev; Fayzullaev, Urunov; Shomurodov

Colombia: Vargas; Munoz, Sanchez, Lucumi, Mojica; Lerma, Rios; Arias, Rodriguez, Diaz; Suarez

How to watch Uzbekistan vs Colombia?

You can watch the Uzbekistan vs. Colombia match live and for free on BBC One in the UK.

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