Asian Cup 2015: Uzbekistan turn to Server Djeparov to provide tips on beating South Korea
UZBEKISTAN will be hoping Server Djeparov’s knowledge of South Korean football could be just as valuable as his undoubted on-field talents.
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HE IS one of Uzbekistan’s best players of all time.
But on Thursday night Server Djeparov’s knowledge of South Korean football could be just as valuable as his undoubted on-field talents.
Uzbekistan will battle with South Korea in the Asian Cup’s first quarter final at AAMI Park, which suits 32-year-old Djeparov just fine considering he has spent the past two seasons with K-League side Seongnam.
The two-time Asian Football Confederation player of the year has played 59 games for Seongnam, but also played 39 games for FC Seoul in 2010-2011 meaning he knows better than any of his teammates what to expect against the Taeguk Warriors.
Although confident his side can cause an upset, Djeparov is also on edge knowing just how capable his Korean opponents are.
Not that his teammates really need reminding considering the two teams met twice in qualifying for the 2014 World Cup, a campaign which ultimately saw the Koreans edge the Uzbeks on goal difference for an automatic qualification berth - by just one goal.
“Every time we (play South Korea), they give me this questions,” Djeparov said.
“This is a good team, and we must be careful of that. I look at the game against Australia, they are faster, stronger.
“They are running 90 minutes and not tired because they have a lot of young players who are running much better than experienced players.
“We must prepare for this game. We need to be strong and make good situations to score goals.
“We have strong team, we have young players and experienced players, we just give the best we can do, that’s it.”
Left back Vitaliy Denisov, who plays for Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow, is in no doubt that players such as Djeparov and fellow midfielder Timur Kapadze, who played 30 games for Incheon United in the 2011 K-League season, will provide vital intellegence for the game.
Players such as Anzur Ismailov, Shavkat Mulladjanov and Yegor Krimets, who have each played in China, also have valuable experience taking on east Asian opponents.
“Yes, we’ve spoken about this,” Denisov said.
“The players will speak to each other for information in the game if they know (a Korean) player has good speed then watch out, or if he is a good dribbler then turn to your (teammate) to help me take that guy.
“We’re going to watch the video, watch the good and bad sides of that team, and our coach is going to say what we need to do in the game.
“We have the time to prepare for this match and I think we’re going to do very well.”
Djeparov did not play in the 3-1 win against Saudi Arabia, but insists he was just rested.
Coach Mirjalol Kasimov made five changes for that match and said 106-times capped Djeparov remained a prominent part of his plans.
“He’s a very experienced player and I think in this tournament he will help us,” Kasimov said.
“We planned this kind of rotation in our squad.”
Djeparov’s current contract with Seongnam has expired and he is yet to be offered a new deal.
Although keen to stay in Korea, he said last week he was open to interest from Australia, in what would be a boon for the A-League.
“If they have offers for me, I can (look at) them,” he said.
Originally published as Asian Cup 2015: Uzbekistan turn to Server Djeparov to provide tips on beating South Korea
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