Overview
Under the guidance of Italian football legend Fabio Cannavaro, Uzbekistan entered this match with impressive form when they only lost one of the matches that lasted from the 2-3 defeat to Qatar in the World Cup qualifiers in November 2024.
That streak of form includes 5 consecutive unbeaten matches, most recently the convincing 3-1 victory over Gabon, helping the home team continue to maintain confidence before the upcoming important confrontation.
In that match, Uzbekistan was led early, but the goals of Eldor Shomurodov and Jakhongir Urozov, before Alisher Odilov sealed the victory in injury time, helped them successfully come back.
This result helps Uzbekistan create positive psychological momentum before the 2026 World Cup. Notably, they have won 4 of their last 5 home matches, showing significant stability when playing against home fans.
Meanwhile, Venezuela, although not qualifying for this summer's World Cup, still has the opportunity to affirm its position.
Coach Oswaldo Vizcarrondo's team just had a 4-1 comeback victory over Trinidad and Tobago, despite a not-so-favorable start. After missing the opportunity to open the score from the penalty spot, the opponent took the lead, but Venezuela exploded in the last 30 minutes to win.
The goals of Delvin Alfonzo and Salomon Rondon - each scoring a double - helped La Vinotinto create an impressive comeback, while also bringing confidence before the clash with Uzbekistan.
However, stability is still a big question mark for Venezuela when the recent victory is only the second victory in the last 7 matches, in which they have suffered 5 defeats.
Against a Uzbekistan that is in high form and has home advantage, the South American representative will face a big challenge if they want to win two consecutive victories - something they have not done since June 2025.
Personnel situation
Uzbekistan will likely continue to use a three-center-back scheme consisting of Jakhongir Urozov, Rustam Ashurmatov and Umar Eshmuradov, in front of goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov.
In midfield, Fabio Cannavaro can place his trust in the duo Odiljon Khamrobekov and Otabek Shukurov to control the midfield, while Khozhiakbar Alizhonov and Sherzod Nasrullaev take on the role of winger, creating breadth for attacking play.
In attack, Azizjon Ganiev and Oston Urunov are expected to support behind key striker Eldor Shomurodov, who has just made his mark with a goal and an assist in the match against Gabon.
On the opposite side, Venezuela will be without the services of midfielder Daniel Pereira (Austin FC), forcing coach Oswaldo Vizcarrondo to consider alternatives such as Gustavo Gonzalez, Jorge Yriarte and Andrusw Araujo.
In goal, goalkeeper Jesus Camargo may be given the opportunity to start after coming on as a substitute for Cristopher Varela in the match against Trinidad and Tobago, thereby creating more competition in the goalkeeper position.
Expected lineup:
Uzbekistan: Yusupov, Urozov, Ashurmatov, Eshmuradov, Alizhonov, Khamrobekov, Shukurov, Nasrullaev, Ganiev, Urunov, Shomurodov.
Venezuela: Camargo, Alfonzo, Aramburu, Osio, Balbo, Gonzalez, Yriarte, Araujo, Mendoza, Rondon, Lamadrid.
The match between Uzbekistan and Venezuela takes place at 9:00 p.m. on March 30 (Vietnam time).
