Uzbekistan coach satisfied with draw against Syria

Coach of Uzbek football team Srecko Katanec expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance during a match against Syria at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium on Saturday. The match ended with a goalless draw in the first round of Group B competitions of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023.The Uzbek and Syrian teams have one point each, while the Australian team leads the group with three points after defeating India earlier today with 2-0.At the post-match press conference, the coach added that the team tried to score, created many opportunities and were able to reach the goal, but the Syrian team played in a purely defensive manner, which is a legitimate matter and normal in football.He continued that he lost many matches this way and that he will seek to rectify certain points.On the absence of Italian Cagliari player Eldor Shomurodov, coach Katanec said Shomurodov is one of the most important players and his absence affects the team, adding that he will try to find solutions that enable them to play with intensity in the midfield.The coach concluded by saying that they must win over India in the next match, and must adapt to the circumstances, improve their performance, and find solutions, stressing that they will prepare for the confrontation well.The second round of the group competitions will be held on January 18, where Syria will meet Australia and India play Uzbekistan.