Title: Tactical Shift Under Cannavaro Raises Questions for Uzbekistan’s Esteghlal Defender
In a surprising tactical move, Fabio Cannavaro, the new head coach of the Uzbekistan national team and a legendary defender in his own right, appears to be implementing significant changes to his defensive line. This strategic pivot has brought the status of key defender Rustam Ashurmatov into sharp focus.
A Calculated Decision
Uzbekistan faced Iran in a recent match without Ashurmatov, a mainstay of the defense, in the starting lineup. This scenario repeated in their subsequent semi-final clash against Egypt. Reports confirm that the defender was not injured prior to or during the team’s camp in the Emirates, indicating that his placement on the bench was a purely tactical decision made by the Italian coach.
A Warning Sign for the Future
While there is still considerable time before the commencement of the 2026 World Cup, and no team’s final lineup is set in stone, this development serves as a clear signal. Should Ashurmatov fail to align with Cannavaro’s new tactical vision, his prospects for a starting position in the World Cup could diminish. Italian coaches are renowned for building their teams from the back, prioritizing a solid and fixed defensive unit as their first order of business. For the Esteghlal defender, this tournament has undoubtedly become a crucial moment for reflection and adaptation.