Getting To Know Uzbekistan U-17, The Black Horse Returns After A Decade Of Absence

Uzbekistan U-17 is a dark horse at the 2023 U-17 World Cup (Instagram/@uzbekistanfa).

JAKARTA - The 2023 U-17 World Cup is the third chance for Uzbekistan U-17 to compete again after the last ten years of absence or not participating in the last three editions.

His presence in this edition has actually succeeded in becoming a dark horse team. The journey of the White Wolf, nicknamed Uzbekistan U-17, at the 2023 U-17 World Cup was unexpected.

So far they have even set foot in the quarter-finals where they challenged a team of U-17 French class on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at Manahan Stadium.

Before confirming a place in the quarter-finals, Uzbekistan U-17 appeared surprising. In the round of 16 they were able to overthrow a team of British-class U-17 giants with a score of 2-1.

If you pull the story back again, Uzbekistan's U-17 trip to the final round of the 2023 U-17 World Cup is fairly smooth.

They got tickets to Indonesia after finishing as semifinalists for the 2023 U-17 Asian Cup. In fact, the White Wolf

In fact, when they travel in the 2023 U-17 Asian Cup, they make a slick record. The details, never lost in three group stage matches, two wins and one draw.

In the quarter-finals, they beat Saudi Arabia 2-0 before being beaten by South Korea 0-1 in the semifinals of the 2023 U-17 Asian Cup.

Even so, being the top four of the 2023 U-17 Asian Cup is enough for them to appear in the 2023 U-17 World Cup with members of Group B with Mali U-17, Canada U-17, and Spain U-17.

The White Wolf has only lost once to Mali U-17. After that, they were able to rise by securing a win against Canada U-17 and a draw against Spain U-17.

This achievement is enough to take them to the knockout stages through the best third-placed path with four points.

Meanwhile, Uzbekistan U-17 has made three appearances at the U-17 World Cup, namely the 2011, 2013, and 2023 editions. So far, the most flashy result they got was during the 2011 edition.

At that time, they topped Group D by beating Australia U-17 (4-0) in the round of 16. Then, Uzbekistan U-17 lost to Uruguay U-17 in the quarter-finals.

In 2013, Uzbekistan U-17 participated again. However, his performances have decreased.

After previously being able to finish in the quarter-finals, in the 2013 edition it was stopped in the last 16 after losing 0-1 to Honduras U-17.

Seeing this trip, Uzbekistan U-17 tried its luck again at the 2023 U-17 World Cup. After being absent for the last decade or three editions, their move this year has managed to match the best record in 2011.

White Wolves' slick score could not be separated from the touch of the coach, Jamiliddin Rakhmatullaev. Since being appointed coach in November 2022, Rakhmatullaev has successfully implemented an effective style of football.

In addition to the coach's efforts, Uzbekistan's U-17 trip to the 2023 U-17 World Cup is also increasingly colorful with the presence of Lazizbek Mirzaev. He is a creative player, talented, and contributes critically to team opportunities and goals.

Mirzaev who was born in Tashkent has many advantages. He is now in the spotlight after scoring a winning goal through a straight free kick against England U-17.

The captain is also a flexible player in terms of playing positions. A good leadership spirit is also an advantage.

He successfully led his colleagues to rise and make Uzbekistan U-17 mentally strong collectively.