Inileev Admits Lack Of Edge

TASHKENT – Uzbekistan coach Rauf Inileev admitted that his side may have lacked a cutting edge against Singapore on Saturday following their big win against the Lions earlier in the week.

The Uzbeks become the first team to reach the final round of the Asian World Cup qualifiers thanks to substitute Alexander Geynrikh, who scored the only goal of the game 10 minutes from time. But their 1-0 win at the MHSK Stadium was a far cry from the 7-3 victory they recorded in Singapore six days earlier.

“I was worried before tonight’s game because we scored seven goals in our first match and I thought that the players might underestimate how strong the Singapore team are,” said Inileev.

“I’m sure that our opponents did not deserve to suffer such a big defeat and it’s always difficult to play with team which you beat easily just one week ago as you lose some motivation and concentration.

“It was tough match and we were lucky to win this time.

“Singapore played attacking football in the first match but they totally changed their tactics today and played a defensive game which made them very difficult to break down.

“But Alexander Geynrikh proved he worth coming on as a substitute. I’m happy that he became our hero in this match and scored the crucial goal.”

Singapore coach Raddy Avramovic admitted that his team had learnt their lesson from their heavy defeat earlier in the week.

“We learned enough from our last match,” said the Serbian.

“We analyzed all aspects of Uzbekistan’s team play and we realized that it is very dangerous to play open football against them.

“We paid strong attention to our defence but unfortunately, they broke through and we lost again.

“I do not believe that Lebanon can beat Saudi Arabia and I believe that we may have missed our chance of qualifying. However, we will continue to battle in our upcoming games.”