LIVE INFO
MATCH PREVIEW & MORE INFO
Spain possible starting lineup: Nematov; Mirsaidov, Khamraliev, Khusanov, Yuldashev; Buriev, Kholmatov; Fayzullaev, Jaloliddinov, Odilov; Shomurodov
Match Preview
Uzbekistan possible starting lineup: Nematov; Mirsaidov, Khamraliev, Khusanov, Yuldashev; Buriev, Kholmatov; Fayzullaev, Jaloliddinov, Odilov; Shomurodov
Match Preview
The Men's Olympic Football Tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympics is set to begin with an intriguing clash between Spain Under-23s and Uzbekistan Under-23s at Parc des Princes. Both teams aim to make a strong start in Group C, which also includes Egypt and the Dominican Republic.
Spain Under-23s , led by coach Santi Denia, are looking to build on their silver medal from Tokyo 2020 and the senior national team's success at Euro 2024. The squad, composed of players born in 2001 or later with up to three overage players, includes notable names such as Eric Garcia from Barcelona. Spain qualified for the Olympics by finishing runners-up at the 2023 European Under-21 Championship.
The Spanish team has a mix of established La Liga players, including Barcelona duo Fermin Lopez and Pau Cubarsi, Valencia's Cristhian Mosquera, Villarreal's Alex Baena, and promising striker Samu Omorodion, who impressed on loan at Alaves. This blend of experience and youth aims to replicate Spain's golden success from the 1992 Olympics.
Uzbekistan Under-23s are making their Olympic debut, having never qualified before. They secured their spot by reaching the final of the Under-23 Asian Cup in Qatar, where they narrowly lost to Japan. Coached by Timur Kapadze, Uzbekistan has a settled lineup bolstered by the inclusion of Roma striker Eldor Shomurodov, the nation's all-time top scorer. Other key players include defender Abdukodir Khusanov, who played for Lens in Ligue 1, and CSKA Moscow winger Abbosbek Fayzullaev, named Uzbek Player of the Year in 2023.
Spain's squad, featuring several Euro 2024 winners and established La Liga talents, presents a formidable challenge for Uzbekistan. However, the White Wolves, led by Shomurodov and buoyed by their historic qualification, are eager to make their mark and progress from Group C. This match promises to be an exciting encounter as both teams seek a strong start in their Olympic campaigns.