Uzbekistan football coach praises Asian Games organization

Uzbekistan's U-21 men's football team finished in fourth place at the Asian Games after losing to China in a penalty shootout during the third-place match at Toyota Stadium in Aichi Prefecture. Despite the loss, Uzbekistan coach Rafshan Haydarov praised the tournament's organization in Japan, noting that the event was “organized at a very high level” and that the climate was favorable for the players.

Haydarov explained that the team's participation with a younger U-21 squad was part of a strategic development plan aimed at qualifying for the 2028 Olympics. He emphasized that gaining experience against older, more seasoned opponents is a vital component of their growth program. While expressing disappointment over the penalty shootout result, he focused on the need for continuous improvement across all positions and aspects of play.