World Cup Qualifying - Asia | Third Round

Nov 19, 2024 at 12am UK

North Koreavs.Uzbekistan

Match preview

North Korea will be disappointed by their showing against Iran for a number of reasons, with the first being that they trailed 3-0 by the half-time interval and had faced 11 shots on target in the first 45 minutes.

Iran were down to 10 men in the 51st minute. It's tough to come back from a three-goal deficit, even with an extra player. Chollima will think they should have at least earned a point, though, because they took the momentum back after scoring two goals before the 60th minute.

Yong-Nam Sin's team have now failed to win any of their last five AFC World Cup qualifiers, drawing two and losing three times in that period.

North Korea have been playing better as the home team than they have overall. They lost one and drew one of their last two home games, but they won three of the four before that.

Uzbekistan had a strong start to their qualifying campaign, winning three and drawing one of their first four games. However, they suffered a setback on 14 November, losing 3-2 against Qatar.

Tuesday's visitors will be especially disappointed by the result. They had even managed to level the scoreline in the 80th minute after initially trailing 2-0 by the 41st minute, but then conceded a third goal in the 12th minute of second-half stoppage time.

The White Wolves have scored seven goals and conceded five, making them the group's joint third-best offensive and third-best defensive team. They've also got three clean sheets, which is joint most alongside leaders Iran.

While manager Srecko Katanec will be disappointed by his side's loss against Qatar, he will still be pleased that his team have only lost once in 90 minutes in their last 21 outings, winning on 13 occasions.

Uzbekistan's away form has also been impressive, with the nation having won seven, drawn two and lost two of their 11 most recent fixtures on the road.

Recent Performance

North Korea World Cup Qualifying - Asia form:WLDDLL

North Korea form (all competitions):LLDDLL

Uzbekistan World Cup Qualifying - Asia form:DWWDWL

Team News

Jo-guk Ri was taken off as a result of injury for North Korea against Iran, so if he's not available on Tuesday, Kum-song Jong might replace him in the starting lineup and partner Han Kwang-song up front.

Midfielder Kye Tam was replaced by Un-Chol Ri in the last game, and Ri could be joined by Kuk Chol Kang in a double pivot.

It looks like goalkeeper Kang Ju Hyok will be protected by centre-backs Kuk Chol Jang and Kim Yu Song.

The visitors may also have to cope without striker Eldor Shomurodov because of injury, so it looks like Jaloliddin Masharipov will be in the starting XI.

It looks like Masharipov will be supported by forwards Azizbek Turgunboev and Abbosbek Fayzullaev, who will start in front of a double pivot consisting of Odildzhon Khamrobekov and Otabek Shukurov.

Uzbekistan used three centre-backs against Qatar, and they could field Husniddin Alikulov, Abdukodir Khusanov and Abdulla Abdullaev in defence once again.

Possible starting lineup

North Korea possible starting lineup:

Kang; Choe, Kuk CJ, Kim Y, Kim P; Chung-song, Un-Chol, Kuk CK, Ju-Song; Han, Kum-song

Uzbekistan possible starting lineup:

Yusupov; Alikulov, Khusanov, Abdullaev; Alizhonov, Khamrobekov, Shukurov, Nasrullaev; Turgunboev, Fayzullaev; Masharipov