Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Ras Al Khaimah: Uzbekistan captain Vladimir Kozak has said that victory in the AFC U-19 Championship quarter-final over Syria and subsequent qualification to next year's FIFA U-20 World Cup his made the Central Asians psychologically stronger as they gear up for Wednesday's semi-final showdown with Korea Republic.
The Uzbeks held their nerve to defeat the Syrians 3-0 on penalties after extra-time of Sunday's quarter-final finished 2-2 and Kozak, who successfully converted one of the spot-kicks, is confident his side can build on that triumph as the Central Asians look to complete a youth championship double following the success of the U-16s in Iran last month.
"First of all, we are very happy that we have qualified to the World Cup but our aim does not stop there," said Kozak
"We were dreaming of becoming the champions when we were preparing for this tournament.
"There is a good camaraderie in the team and the boys are highly motivated. There are only two matches remaining and we feel we can do it."
But before Kozak and his team-mates can realise their dream they must first overcome 11-time champions Korea Republic and the Pakhtakor defender knows the Uzbeks will need to put in another solid performance against one of the tournament favourites.
"First of all we are not afraid of anyone but any team that reaches the semi-final of a tournament this size must be a very good side.
"I have not watched them play so far but that is not the job of the players. That is the job of the coach who will then give us the tactics and it is down to us to follow his instructions on the field.
"We had a poor first half against Syria but I am sure that was due to the long journey to Fujairah from Ras Al Khaimah and an early kick-off. But Wednesday is perfect as we have an evening match and we will play at Ras Al Khaimah and we are used to playing in that ground," he added.