Uzbekistan will look to get over its World Cup woes when it takes on Vietnam in Asian Cup qualifiers on Tuesday.
Uzbekistan was one penalty away from taking down Jordan in the second leg of the qualifiers, but faltered when it mattered most. As a result, the team must wait another four years before having any hopes of qualifying for the world's biggest tournament.
The team's attention now turns to Vietnam, a team it knows very well. According to 11v11, the two teams have encountered one another 225 times in their history. Vietnam has won 79 games while Uzbekistan has come out on top 97 times; the two teams have drawn 49 games.
Uzbekistan is off to a rough start in its qualifying campaign. The team drew 0-0 with Hong Kong in February before losing 2-1 against the United Arab Emirates. In that match, Uzbekistan took a 1-0 lead thanks to a goal from Shohruh Gadoev, but conceded twice in a three minute span in the second half to lose 2-1.
Vietnam has had a woeful to start its campaign as well. The team lost 2-1 against the United Arabs Emirates and was defeated 1-0 against Chan Wai Ho.
This match is essential for both sides as the loser will likely face a tough road in the final three qualifiers; a defeat here will essentially mean elimination.
Prediction: Uzbekistan is the superior side and should win 1-0.
Start Time: Kick-off gets underway at 5 a.m. EST
The match will not be broadcast in the United States.
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