A press conference featuring the national team head coach Fabio Cannavaro is now taking place at the National Football Center. The coach's replies to some of the quaestions:
What should we expect from the World Cup?
"Since I arrived here, everyone has been asking me that same question. Someone even asked if we’d win the whole thing! Let’s understand one thing: this is our first time. The players don't need that kind of pressure. Our goal is simple: we have to give everything we’ve got and leave it all on the pitch. If we do that, we’ll have no regrets. To the people of Uzbekistan, please understand—we are playing against European and Latin American giants. It’s not easy. This is our debut. We have nothing to lose, so let's enjoy the moment and play our hearts out. I can’t guarantee the results, but I can promise the players will give a fight against each and every opponent."
Who are the World Cup favorites?
"For me, France is one of the top contenders. Portugal is also a favorite—they have two incredibly strong squads' worth of talent. Beyond them, you can never count out Argentina or Brazil. And England looks very strong as well."
Regarding Jaloliddin Masharipov:
"Jaloliddin Masharipov isn’t at 100% fitness yet. However, I’m going to do my best to bring him to the World Cup. He is such a positive and proactive presence; you need players like him in the locker room..."
