The Uzbekistan national team is getting closer to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, and Abduqodir Husanov playing for the reigning champion "Manchester City" in the world's most complex league remains one of the most discussed topics.
The opinions of Ali Aliyev, who is serving as the head coach of the Kazakhstan national team, regarding Uzbek football have attracted the attention of the football community and have led to various reactions.
This time, Russian scout and journalist Nikolay Yegorichev, who is well-acquainted with Uzbek football, responded to the claims made by the Kazakh specialist.
- The new coach of the Kazakhstan national team is a very interesting person. Ali Aliyev always throws a "stone" at Uzbekistan's name in any situation that arises. Here are some of his "remarks".
“Dastan Satpayev is stronger than Abduqodir Husanov”;
“No one knew Husanov when he was 16. We sold 16-year-old Satpayev to Chelsi”;
“If we play in Asia, we will qualify for the World Cup. I have never seen the Uzbekistan national team play against the Japanese and Koreans in the group.”
I have a good attitude towards Kazakhstan as a country, and the same goes for football. I have colleagues in Kazakhstan with whom I have good relations. However, Aliyev's words seem to be an attempt to divert public attention from their own problems.
Just comparing with Satpayev won't get us far. This guy has only played six games in adult football. Can he be compared to Husanov? Absolutely not.
Regarding Japan and South Korea, I would say that Uzbekistan really hasn't played against them for quite some time. However, they have faced Iran (2:2, twice 0:0), Australia (1:1), and Mexico (3:3). These national teams regularly participate in World Cups.
The Kazakhstan national team currently needs to focus on recovery rather than making such claims. There is no doubt about the victory over Liechtenstein. However, the team recently lost to Luxembourg, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.
It is always easier to talk than to work, - wrote Nikolay Yegorichev on his Telegram channel.
As a reminder, during the years of independence, the national teams of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have faced each other seven times. Their first meeting took place in 1992, where the Kazakh players won 1:0.
In the last six encounters, three ended in a draw, and in three, the Uzbekistan national team emerged victorious. The results are as follows:
1992. Uzbekistan – Kazakhstan 1:1.
1994. Uzbekistan – Kazakhstan 1:0.
1997. Kazakhstan – Uzbekistan 1:1.
1997. Uzbekistan – Kazakhstan 4:0.
2007. Kazakhstan – Uzbekistan 1:1.
2022. Uzbekistan – Kazakhstan 2:0
