Cannavaro: Uzbekistan Can Improve After 5-0 Portugal Defeat, “We Must Keep Believing”

Cannavaro takes responsibility as Uzbekistan face early exit

Fabio Cannavaro took responsibility for Uzbekistan’s 5-0 World Cup Group K loss to Portugal. The debutants also lost 3-1 to Colombia and must beat DR Congo Saturday to reach the round of 32.

“I am very proud” says Cannavaro backs Uzbekistan despite 5-0 thumping by Portugal...

Uzbekistan coach Fabio Cannavaro said he took full responsibility for his team’s 5-0 defeat to Portugal in World Cup Group K on Tuesday. He still argued they’re improving on the international stage and that the tough loss in Houston would make them stronger.

Cannavaro’s side are almost out after debuting at the World Cup. They also lost 3-1 to Colombia and now must beat the Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday to have any chance of reaching the round of 32.

“All my life I have taken responsibility, as ⁠a player and ​as a coach. If we lost 5-0, it is because today I made mistakes, and not them (the players),” he said.

Speaking to reporters, Cannavaro said: “They tried everything, they tried their best, I am very proud. We have to keep believing until we mathematically cannot go through.”

The 2006 World Cup winner with Italy added that he, not his players, should be blamed for the defeat.

Cannavaro said: “This is our first time at the World Cup. I told the players that they can misplace a pass and make mistakes. Because I must give them the confidence to try and improve.”

Uzbekistan had what looked like a great goal from Azizjon Ganiev ruled out at 2-0 for a foul in the build-up. Cannavaro admitted that decision took the energy out of his team.

“The goal that was disallowed really had an ‌impact on our confidence,” he said. “It was a shame because we started playing just as we did against ‌Colombia, we were playing boldly," he said.

“I asked them to be more courageous, to play football and not to be afraid. If you have that mindset you can grow as a team and ⁠grow individually.

“We are here ⁠to gain experience even ‌if we are to lose.”