Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Bangkok: Having only identified positive aspects in Syria's team, Uzbekistan coach Alexander Mochinov is expecting a testing AFC U-16 Championship quarter-final for the defending champions at Rajamangala Stadium on Sunday.
Uzbekistan, who claimed a first-ever AFC U-16 Championship title two years ago after edging out Japan on penalties in the final, topped Group C with an unbeaten record after following up an opening draw with Nepal by beating both fellow quarter-finalists DPR Korea as well as Kuwait.
But after highlighting Syria's Naeim Naem, Mohammad Jaddoua and Anas Aji as potential dangers to Uzbekistan's chances of reaching a third consecutive semi-finals, Mochinov is prepared for a tough encounter.
"The game the very important for both teams as the loser will go home. I expect both teams to play with all their strength," said Uzbekistan coach Mochinov, who has a full squad at his disposal with defender Ozodbek Kurbonov returning from suspension.
"I have only seen positives in the Syria team. They are very strong, quick and physical.
"We will start the match with our plan and show our playing style."
The winner on Sunday will also qualify for the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, although Uzbekistan must cope with a change in venue having played all of their group stage games at Muangthong Stadium.
"Rajamangala is a very big stadium while Muangthong is very compact. The big stadium might make the players nervous. I have seen that the pitch at Rajamangala is not as flat as Muangthong, but I have not told the players as they are young and this could also make them nervous," added Mochinov (pictured).
"Both teams know that the game is a chance to go to the World Cup, but we have a lot of hope. Maybe it won't be the most beautiful game as both teams will be careful, but there is no way back after this game."
Syria are appearing in a fifth consecutive AFC U-16 Championship quarter-final having finished second in Group D behind Iran, while victory on Sunday would secure a return to the semi-finals for the first time since 2006.
"For me the match is to be or not to be. It is going to be a very decisive match because it gives us a chance to play at the World Cup next year," said Syria coach Mohamed Al Attar.
"I have studied the technical ability of Uzbekistan and I have watched some videos and analysed the movement of their players and noticed some negative and positive points which I have already explained to the players. I will also adopt a different technical strategy in tackling Uzbekistan's speed and skills.
"I have no doubt it will be a difficult match for Syria, but it will be a decisive match for our country on the road to the World Cup in Chile next year."
And Al Attar is boosted by the return of defender Hadi Brghol from suspension as Syria seek a return to the FIFA U-17 World Cup for the first time since 2007 when they reached the Round of 16
"The players are excited as they are young players. The excitement will affect the players and the technical staff as we hope our dream of going to the World Cup comes true," added Al Attar.
"We have some light muscle injuries but nothing serious, and by the time of the game, all the players will be fit.
"One rest day between the group games in not enough, so two days helps us to rehabilitate the players."
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