Uzbekistan Eliminated: The Loss That Feels Like a Victory

Author: Jonas Prien

After three losses at the World Cup in North America, Uzbekistan was eliminated as the last-place team in its group. Despite a spirited performance, the team was once again unable to defeat the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Yet Uzbekistan can still consider itself a winner: euphoric fans, passionate players, and, above all, the opportunity to participate in this mega-event.

Hours before kickoff of Uzbekistan’s final group stage match, soccer fever is palpable in the narrow alleys of Khiva’s old town. Even in the far west of this desert-rich Central Asian country, on the border with Turkmenistan, there’s hardly any other topic of conversation besides soccer. Many fans have gathered between the massive mud-brick walls of Itchan-Kala. Some are wearing the white national team jersey; others have wrapped themselves in scarves despite the evening heat. On the large square in front of the citadel, children are playing soccer while the walls of the surrounding buildings are illuminated.

Hope dies last

“We’ll do it today,” says 19-year-old Aziz, nervously stroking his scarf in the national colors. “We just have to win.” Uzbekistan is playing against the Congo in its final group stage match at the World Cup. After two losses to Colombia and Portugal, advancing is now only theoretically possible. But hardly anyone here cares. The euphoria sparked by this tournament outweighs any disappointment.

This is because Uzbekistan is playing in a World Cup for the very first time. Even qualifying was celebrated across the country as if they’d won a title. Now the whole country is on the edge of their seats—even here in Khiva, far from the major cities of Tashkent, Namangan, and Samarkand.

A Blistering Start

The opening minutes fuel hope. Uzbekistan plays boldly, pushes forward, and wins tackles. Every successful pass is celebrated, every shot met with a collective murmur. For a moment, anything seems possible. Just a few seconds in, the ball hits the net, but the linesman raises his flag: offside.

When, ten minutes in, striker Shomurodov scores a spectacular chip into the Congolese goal, the crowd goes wild. All the spectators jump to their feet and embrace one another.

Congo Strikes Back

But Congo handles the deficit with ease and equalizes shortly afterward, though the goal is disallowed due to a previous foul. Despite a few chances for the Uzbeks, it’s clear by halftime that Congo isn’t beaten yet.

Of all people, Manchester City’s star defender Khusanov fouls a Congolese attacker in the penalty area. In quick succession, Congo scores three goals, securing their first-ever spot in the knockout round and sealing Uzbekistan’s elimination.

What remains?

With the 1–3 loss, Uzbekistan also loses its third group stage match. The record is sobering: zero points, 2–11 goals. From a sporting perspective, the World Cup is a quick story. And yet, it would be a mistake to judge this tournament solely by the numbers.

Uzbekistan’s participation has sparked euphoria and pride back home. Despite the bitter elimination, Aziz remains hopeful: “This is just the beginning; next time we’ll come back stronger.”

Uzbekistan is also fondly remembered internationally. Several videos of Uzbek fans went viral on social media. Among them is a video showing Uzbek warriors in traditional armor riding horses at the head of a group of fans on their way to the stadium in Houston. The fans left a lasting positive impression and showcased their country as a soccer nation.