The Uzbekistan national football team is set to face Uruguay today, October 13, in an exciting international friendly at the Hang Jebat Stadium in Malacca, Malaysia.

This match marks one of the first real challenges for Fabio Cannavaro, the 2006 World Cup-winning captain who recently took charge of Uzbekistan. The Italian coach has brought fresh tactical discipline and a focus on high pressing to the team’s training sessions.

Under Cannavaro, Uzbekistan has been working on building quick transitions and strong wing play.
Key players such as Eldor Shomurodov and Fayzullayev are expected to lead the attack, while younger players will be given a chance to prove themselves.

Uruguay, led by veteran coach Marcelo Bielsa, will be without several of their top stars — Federico Valverde, Darwin Núñez, Ronald Araújo, and Rodrigo Bentancur have all been rested.
This means the South American side will rely on their younger talents to impress, while maintaining Bielsa’s trademark high-pressing style.

Uruguay will look to dominate possession, but the absence of key players could create space in midfield.
Uzbekistan’s quick counters and wing play might cause problems for Bielsa’s defense. If Shomurodov and Fayzullayev perform well, Uzbekistan could make a statement on the international stage.