Uzbekistan will make their World Cup finals debut when they take on Colombia on Thursday 18 June (03:00 UK time). Read on for the latest Uzbekistan vs Colombia team news ahead of the historic Group K encounter.
The White Wolves head into the contest as clear outsiders, which is no surprise given the calibre of their opponents. Colombia boast a squad packed with international pedigree, World Cup experience and several players capable of making the difference on the biggest stage.
However, Uzbekistan have a notable figure of their own on the touchline. Head coach Fabio Cannavaro knows exactly what it takes to succeed at a World Cup, having lifted the trophy as a player in 2006. The Central Asian nation will be hoping his experience can help them spring an upset against James Rodriguez and a talented Colombian side in Mexico City.
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Uzbekistan vs Colombia team news
Uzbekistan team news
Fabio Cannavaro will have been disappointed to not have Husniddin Aliqulov available for selection at this summer’s World Cup. The Rizespor defender has 30 caps to his name but suffered an ACL injury with his club in January. He is not fit enough to travel with the squad.
Of the players that are in Mexico for this game, Abdukodir Khusanov and Eldor Shomurodov are the key men.
Manchester City’s Khusanov will lead a back three that will likely include Rustam Ashurmatov and Abdulla Abdullaev, while at the opposite end of the pitch Shomurodov could lead the line with his Istanbul Basaksehir team-mate Abbosbek Fayzullaev and Oston Urunov playing just behind him.
Otabek Shukurov, with 84 caps to his name, is as near to a guaranteed starter as you can get in midfield with Akmal Mozgovoy the most likely to partner him.
Jaloliddin Masharipov is expected to miss out with a back injury.
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Colombia team news
Colombia are not facing any injury worries ahead of their opening game. Rafael Borre, Jhon Duran and Juan Cuadrado were surprise emissions from the final 26, with all three being included in the initial preliminary squad.
Nestor Lorenzo has favoured a 4-2-3-1 formation during qualifying and we expect him to continue with that set-up this summer.
Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Davinson Sanchez will lead a back four that also includes Crystal Palace’s Daniel Munoz who is expected to start at right-back. Munoz’s club team-mate Jefferson Lerma will expect to start in midfield alongside Richard Rios or Gustavo Puerta.
Luis Diaz is the main man in attack, with 22 goals to his name in 74 caps so far while the ageing James Rodriguez remains as captain and should still start in the number 10 role behind striker Luis Suarez.
Uzbekistan vs Colombia predicted lineups
Uzbekistan (3-4-2-1): Yusupov; Khusanov, Abdullaev, Ashurmatov; Sayfiev, Shukurov, Mozgovoy, Nazrullaev; Fayzullaev, Urunov; Shomurodov
Colombia (4-2-3-1): Vargas; Munoz, Sanchez, Lucumi, Mojica; Lerma, Rios; Arias, Rodriguez, Diaz; Suarez
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