Asian Cup 2015: Uzbekistan confident of matching 2011 heights if they emerge from group

SEMI-FINALISTS last time around, Uzbekistan will head into the Asian Cup with hopes of at least a repeat performance – despite the bookmakers begging to differ.

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - JUNE 11: Vitaliy Denisov of Uzbekistan in action during the FIFA World Cup qualifier match between South Korea and Uzbekistan at Seoul World Cup Stadium on June 11, 2013 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Atsushi Tomura/Getty Images)

SEMI-FINALISTS last time around, Uzbekistan will head into the Asian Cup with hopes of at least a repeat performance – despite the bookmakers begging to differ.

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Given an indigenous welcome at their Sydney hotel on Tuesday, the Uzbek squad was then due to go through their paces in a final warm-up game with Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta’zim.

Vitaliy Denisov is predicting big things for Uzbekistan in Australia.

But then their sights are set on their opening game Saturday, the first to be held at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium, where they will take on North Korea with considerable confidence.

Leftback Vitaliy Denisov is one of those in the squad who knows how to beat the North Koreans. He was part of the side that won 1-0 in Pyongyang more than three years ago in a World Cup qualifier.

The 27-year-old exuded a quiet confidence about the Uzbek chances - if they get out of the group, then the final becomes a target, he said.

“We hope we’re going to qualify from the group first, then hopefully get to the final – we’re going to see if we’re the best,” said Denisov.

“We know every team in our group is dangerous, if you think you are going to win the game before the match that’s not right, you can lose. Every team is difficult for us, but we have to aim to win every game in the group.

“We saw our fans at the airport when we arrived, we told them we’re going to play good and they will be happy for us at this Asian Cup. Many people want to come here but they have trouble with the visa – it’s hard to get here.

“But they will be watching on TV – not just in Uzbekistan but all over the world. Every place we have been to – Russia, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia – we always see our friends, they come to watch us.”

As both sides sidestepped each other rather awkwardly in the foyer of the shared team hotel, North Korea are an unknown quantity given changes to their side - but still Denisov said his should be favourites, especially if Australian fans adopt their cause.

“We played against (North Korea) before, they are a very strong team, though I know they have a new coach who has made a lot of changes,” he said.

“I still think we can make three points against them.

“Hopefully they (fans in Sydney) will come to watch the football and support us. I know that people here love soccer. Our preparations are going good – now the coach is going to see who will start the first game in the group.”

Originally published as Asian Cup 2015: Uzbekistan confident of matching 2011 heights if they emerge from group