Tournament: World Cup Qualification AFC
Date & Kick-Off Time: 2024.09.05, 10:00
In the first round of the AFC World Cup Qualification, Uzbekistan will face North Korea on September 5, 2024. Uzbekistan, as the favorites in this matchup, will be looking to maintain their strong home form and start the qualification campaign on a high note.
Key Statistics and Trends
- Uzbekistan: Has not lost in regular time since September 2023.
- North Korea: Has won 2 of their last 3 matches.
- Home Form: Uzbekistan is unbeaten in their last 10 home games.
- First-Half Performance: Uzbekistan wins the first half in 37% of their matches, while North Korea does so in 25%.
Possible Line-Ups
Uzbekistan:
- Goalkeeper: Yusupov
- Defenders: Nasrullaev, Ashurmatov, Khusanov, Alikulov, Saifiev
- Midfielders: Shukurov, Masharipov, Khamrobekov
- Forwards: Urunov, Shomurodov
North Korea:
- Goalkeeper: Kang Ju Hyok
- Defenders: Kim Yu Song, Kang Kuk Chol, Jang Kuk Chol, Cho
- Midfielders: Kim Bom Hyok, Kim, Han Kwang Song, Il Song Ri
- Forwards: Paek, Ji Guk Ri
Head-to-Head Matches
Uzbekistan has historically dominated North Korea in their head-to-head encounters, winning 6 out of 11 matches. Uzbekistan also won both of their most recent meetings against North Korea.
Team Overview and Form
Uzbekistan ("The White Wolves"):
Uzbekistan has established itself as a competitive side in Asian football, but they have yet to make a breakthrough to the World Cup. In recent tournaments, they have come close but fallen short. They showed strong form in the 2024 Asian Cup, reaching the quarterfinals before losing to Qatar on penalties. Their recent performances in World Cup qualifiers have been solid, with 10 points from 4 matches.
North Korea ("The Chollima"):
North Korea’s football history includes a quarterfinal appearance in the 1966 World Cup, but they have struggled to replicate that success. Their most recent World Cup appearance was in 2010, where they lost all their matches. Recently, North Korea has been less consistent, missing the 2024 Asian Cup and facing challenges in international competitions.
Tactical Analysis and Predictions
- Uzbekistan: With a solid squad featuring key players like Shomurodov and Masharipov, Uzbekistan will likely aim to control the game through possession and quick attacking play. Their strong home form will be a major advantage.
- North Korea: North Korea will look to be compact and defensively disciplined, hoping to catch Uzbekistan on the counter. However, they lack the depth and experience of their opponents.
Betting Prediction
Given Uzbekistan’s strong home form and superior squad, they are expected to win this match. A handicap of -1 in favor of Uzbekistan (odds: 1.67) is a solid betting choice.
Prediction: Uzbekistan to win with a handicap of -1 (odds: 1.67).
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