Latest news with #EldorShomurodov
Euronews
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Euronews
Uzbekistan celebrates debut World Cup qualification with Qatar victory
Uzbekistan celebrated becoming the first ever Central Asian nation to qualify for the football World Cup with a 3-0 victory over Qatar in their final group game. The White Wolves had already secured their place at the 2026 finals last Thursday following a 0-0 draw with the United Arab Emirates. The result guaranteed them one of the two top spots in Group A of the World Cup Asian qualifiers, alongside Iran. Prior to this campaign, Uzbekistan had failed on seven occasions to qualify for the World Cup since its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The team's only major triumph previously had been winning the men's football tournament at the Asian Games in 1994. Tuesday's win over Qatar at the Bunyodkor Stadium, in the Uzbek capital of Tashkent, was secured with goals by Eldor Shomurodov, Igor Sergeev and Aziz Turgunboev. Uzbekistan ended in second place in Group A with 21 points, behind Iran on 23 points. Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev watched the match, and was photographed sitting alongside the Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico, and the President of Bulgaria, Rumen Radev, as well as several heads of government from Central Asia. Fico, Radev and dozens of foreign officials and international investors attended the Tashkent International Investment Forum earlier on Tuesday. Before the match, Uzbekistan Football Association President Bakhodir Kurbanov and the country's Sports Minister Adkham Ikramov presented medals to the team's staff. Following the game, President Mirziyoyev gave out awards and gifted cars to the players as a reward for qualifying. "They showed true courage and perseverance and our people realized that their dream comes true", Mirziyoyev said. "I am convinced that this historical achievement combines our people in the way of noble goals, a symbol of inspiration for thousands of young people, to further increase the international Uzbek prestige," he added. The government has invested in the country's football development since 2018, which included the opening of football academies for young players in 14 regions nationwide. In December 2019, Mirziyoyev signed a decree to improve the standard and development of football, including preparing national teams for international tournaments. Uzbekistan last year qualified for the Olympic Games football tournament for the first time. With Asia now having eight guaranteed qualifiers in the new 48-team World Cup — compared to just four in the 32-team format that ended in 2022 with the Qatar tournament — Uzbekistan was a likely contender to step up. While most of its team plays in the country's domestic league, it includes a few Europe-based stars like Roma forward Eldor Shomurodov and Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov. The 2026 World Cup will be held next June in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Austria is observing three days of national mourning for 10 people killed after a gunman attacked a high school in the southern city of Graz. The incident in Austria's second-largest city of some 300,000 was the deadliest mass shooting in the Alpine country's recent history. Police are investigating why the gunman, identified by authorities as a former student at the school who failed to graduate, may have carried out the attack. The perpetrator, identified by Austrian media as "Artur A", had no prior criminal record. He reportedly took his own life in the school bathroom after carrying out the attack. During a search of the alleged perpetrator's house, the police found plans for an explosive attack as well as a non-functioning pipe bomb. They also found a digital and handwritten suicide note addressed to the perpetrator's parents. "No motive can be taken from the farewell letter so far," Director of Public Security Franz Ruf told public broadcaster ORF on Tuesday evening. Local media speculated that years of bullying may have been a possible motive for the massacre. By Wednesday morning, the authority that runs hospitals in Graz said that all patients were in stable condition. Nine were still in intensive care units, with one needing a further operation on a facial wound and a second on a knee injury, while another two had been moved to regular wards. Local media report that the 21-year-old lived with his mother. A neighbour told OE24 that 'he was completely introverted.' The suspected gunman was in possession of two firearms which were seized by police after the attack. He had legally acquired both weapons and had reportedly passed the psychological evaluation required in Austria to obtain a so-called 'Category B' firearm possession card. In Austria, weapons are traditionally carried for hunting rather than for self-defence. Some weapons, such as rifles and shotguns, can be purchased from the age of 18 without a permit. Other weapons, such as repeating shotguns or semi-automatic firearms, are more difficult to acquire — buyers need a gun ownership card and a firearms pass. The rare shooting, which has led to an outpouring of grief and shock in Austria, is likely to prompt a domestic debate over whether arms should be restricted, which has more liberal gun laws and high private gun ownership relative to the rest of Europe. The mayor of the city of Graz, Elke Kahr, has already called for a complete ban on private weapons. Gun licenses are "issued too quickly," she said in the aftermath of the tragedy. The case would be examined and gaps would be closed, Ruf said. The perpetrator was not allowed to carry the weapons outside of his home, he added. Local media speculated that the school was unprepared for an attack of this scale, given that school shootings are rare in Austria. Director of Public Security Franz Ruf stated that investigations will be launched to explore how schools can better implement preventive and protective measures to avoid similar tragedies in the future. Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker called the tragedy "incomprehensible". "Schools must remain places of peace – places where children can grow and learn," he said. The government added that numerous crisis intervention teams have been set up to support the victims and their families, including a hotline for those affected. "The school must be a safe place for everyone, where students can develop. Everyone who needs help after today's crime should get help," Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr said.
News18
07-06-2025
- Sport
- News18
Uzbekistan, Jordan Qualify For 2026 FIFA World Cup; China Eliminated
Three additional Asian teams have secured their spots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following the latest round of qualifiers. Uzbekistan and Jordan will make their tournament debuts, while South Korea has extended its streak to 11 consecutive appearances. Conversely, China has been eliminated with one match remaining. Uzbekistan clinched its place with a goalless draw against the United Arab Emirates in Group A. This result was sufficient for the Central Asian team, featuring Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov and Roma forward Eldor Shomurodov, to become the fifth team to qualify for the tournament, joining Japan, New Zealand, Iran, and Argentina. In the same group, Qatar, the host of the 2022 World Cup, narrowly defeated 10-man Iran 1-0. Both Qatar and the UAE will advance to the playoffs, where two additional World Cup spots will be contested, according to Xinhua. In Group B, Jordan made history by qualifying for its first World Cup with a 3-0 victory over Oman. South Korea, a regular participant on the world stage, secured a 2-0 away win against Iraq to maintain its perfect run since 1986. Iraq will join the playoffs, while the final playoff spot from the group will be decided between Oman and Palestine, who face off in the final round. China's slim hopes were extinguished in Group C after a 1-0 defeat to Indonesia in Jakarta. Ole Romeny converted a penalty just before halftime to secure the win and send Indonesia to the playoff round, while China was left to reflect on another unsuccessful campaign. Bahrain also exited contention following a 2-0 loss to Saudi Arabia. In another match, Australia claimed a 1-0 victory over Japan in Perth, positioning itself strongly to secure a direct berth from the group. The Socceroos lead Saudi Arabia by three points and have a +8 goal difference advantage heading into the final round. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States from June 11 to July 19, with 48 teams competing across 48 venues. (With IANS Inputs)
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Business Standard
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Business Standard
China crash out of qualifiers; Uzbekistan, Jordan seal FIFA WC berths
China slumped out of World Cup contention before Uzbekistan and Jordan qualified for the first time, taking advantage of Asia getting double the number of guaranteed entries at the first 48-team tournament in North America next year. Asian soccer power South Korea sealed an 11th straight appearance at the men's World Cup finals with a 2-0 win in Iraq. In a hectic night Thursday with a lot on the line, Australia scored late to edge already-qualified Japan 1-0 before China lost 1-0 in Indonesia. For Uzbekistan, a 0-0 draw against the United Arab Emirates was enough to take the second automatic qualification spot in Group A behind Iran. With Asia now having eight guaranteed qualifiers after just four for the 2022 edition in Qatar Uzbekistan was a likely contender to step up. While most of its team plays in the domestic league, it includes a few Europe-based stars like Roma forward Eldor Shomurodov and Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov. In Group B, South Korea and Jordan secured their places at the 2026 tournament to be staged in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Ali Olwan scored three goals in Jordan's 3-0 win over Oman as the soon-to-be World Cup debutant built on reaching the final at the 2023 Asian Cup, where it lost to host Qatar. Jordan's highest-profile player is winger Mousa Tamari at French club Rennes. In Group C, a first-half penalty from Ole Romeny in Jakarta was enough to end China's chances of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 2002, when the tournament was staged in Asia for the first time and co-hosts South Korea and Japan didn't have to go through continental qualifying. China's strugglesIt's a mystery to many how a country of 1.4 billion people with such a pedigree in Olympic sports struggles so much to reach soccer's marquee event. Branko Ivankovic, a Croatian with international experience in Iran and Oman, was hired last year to guide the Chinese men's team and domestic news agency Xinhua said the head coach took some of the responsibility for another failed campaign. This team has been fighting for this goal for over 20 years. We believed that if we could reach the next stage from this tough group, we would have a strong chance of qualifying," Ivankovic said, according to Xinhua. "But we didn't succeed and, as head coach, I definitely bear significant responsibility. With one game remaining in this round of Asian qualifying, China has won only two of nine games and is bottom of the group that also contains Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Indonesia. We've brought in a younger generation of players who have injected energy into the team, Ivankovic said. Based on their performances, I believe this team has a promising future." World Cup pathwayIn Abu Dhabi, Uzbek fans celebrated together at the end and had goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov to thank for a number of important saves. As well as the six automatic qualifiers from Asia two from each of the three groups in this stage UAE and Qatar, which defeated the already-qualified Iran 1-0, will finish third and fourth and advance to the next stage in Asian qualifying. Six teams will compete in the next stage for two more places at the 2026 World Cup. South Korea clinched top spot in its group, helped by Ali Al-Hamadi's first-half red card for a high kick. Kim Jin-gyu put the Koreans ahead just after the hour, and the victory was sealed by Oh Hyeon-gyu eight minutes from the end. the result ensured Jordan could finish no worse than second. The Palestinian team stayed in contention for the top four with a 2-0 win over last-place Kuwait, one point behind fourth-place Oman. Australia moved to the cusp of qualifying for a sixth consecutive World Cup with a last-minute goal from Aziz Behich in Perth. In the 90th minute, Riley McGree broke free down the right and pulled back for Behich to curl home to bring Perth Stadium to its feet and give Australia its first win over Japan in 16 years. It hasn't sunk in just yet but when the final whistle went it was a great feeling, Behich said. It was a tough game and we had to grind it out. It's been a long campaign and we have worked so hard. To secure that spot Australia needs to avoid a heavy loss next week at third-place Saudi Arabia, which had a 2-0 win over Bahrain.
Hindustan Times
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
China eliminated from World Cup contention. Uzbekistan and Jordan qualify for the first time
China slumped out of World Cup contention before Uzbekistan and Jordan qualified for the first time, taking advantage of Asia getting double the number of guaranteed entries at the first 48-team tournament in North America next year. Asian soccer power South Korea sealed an 11th straight appearance at the men's World Cup finals with a 2-0 win in Iraq. In a hectic night Thursday with a lot on the line, Australia scored late to edge already-qualified Japan 1-0 before China lost 1-0 in Indonesia. For Uzbekistan, a 0-0 draw against the United Arab Emirates was enough to take the second automatic qualification spot in Group A behind Iran. With Asia now having eight guaranteed qualifiers — after just four for the 2022 edition in Qatar — Uzbekistan was a likely contender to step up. While most of its team plays in the domestic league, it includes a few Europe-based stars like Roma forward Eldor Shomurodov and Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov. In Group B, South Korea and Jordan secured their places at the 2026 tournament to be staged in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Ali Olwan scored three goals in Jordan's 3-0 win over Oman as the soon-to-be World Cup debutant built on reaching the final at the 2023 Asian Cup, where it lost to host Qatar. Jordan's highest-profile player is winger Mousa Tamari at French club Rennes. In Group C, a first-half penalty from Ole Romeny in Jakarta was enough to end China's chances of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 2002, when the tournament was staged in Asia for the first time and co-hosts South Korea and Japan didn't have to go through continental qualifying. It's a mystery to many how a country of 1.4 billion people with such a pedigree in Olympic sports struggles so much to reach soccer's marquee event. Branko Ivankovic, a Croatian with international experience in Iran and Oman, was hired last year to guide the Chinese men's team and domestic news agency Xinhua said the head coach took some of the responsibility for another failed campaign. 'This team has been fighting for this goal for over 20 years. We believed that if we could reach the next stage from this tough group, we would have a strong chance of qualifying," Ivankovic said, according to Xinhua. "But we didn't succeed and, as head coach, I definitely bear significant responsibility.' With one game remaining in this round of Asian qualifying, China has won only two of nine games and is bottom of the group that also contains Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Indonesia. 'We've brought in a younger generation of players who have injected energy into the team,' Ivankovic said. 'Based on their performances, I believe this team has a promising future." In Abu Dhabi, Uzbek fans celebrated together at the end and had goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov to thank for a number of important saves. As well as the six automatic qualifiers from Asia — two from each of the three groups in this stage — UAE and Qatar, which defeated the already-qualified Iran 1-0, will finish third and fourth and advance to the next stage in Asian qualifying. Six teams will compete in the next stage for two more places at the 2026 World Cup. South Korea clinched top spot in its group, helped by Ali Al-Hamadi's first-half red card for a high kick. Kim Jin-gyu put the Koreans ahead just after the hour, and the victory was sealed by Oh Hyeon-gyu eight minutes from the end. the result ensured Jordan could finish no worse than second. The Palestinian team stayed in contention for the top four with a 2-0 win over last-place Kuwait, one point behind fourth-place Oman. Australia moved to the cusp of qualifying for a sixth consecutive World Cup with a last-minute goal from Aziz Behich in Perth. In the 90th minute, Riley McGree broke free down the right and pulled back for Behich to curl home to bring Perth Stadium to its feet and give Australia its first win over Japan in 16 years. 'It hasn't sunk in just yet but when the final whistle went it was a great feeling,' Behich said. 'It was a tough game and we had to grind it out. It's been a long campaign and we have worked so hard.' To secure that spot Australia needs to avoid a heavy loss next week at third-place Saudi Arabia, which had a 2-0 win over Bahrain. soccer: /hub/soccer
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Roma striker Shomurodov takes Uzbekistan to first ever World Cup
Roma striker Eldor Shomurodov is going to the 2026 tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico, as Uzbekistan have qualified for their first ever World Cup. They have officially booked their spot at the competition thanks to a 0-0 draw in the United Arab Emirates this evening. Advertisement It guaranteed second place in Group A of the AFC section in qualifying, behind Inter forward Mehdi Taremi's Iran. This is the first time that Uzbekistan have ever managed to qualify for a World Cup competition and is a huge moment in the history of the nation. Uzbekistani history made by Shomurodov ROME, ITALY – APRIL 19: Eldor Shomurodov of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Verona at Stadio Olimpico on April 19, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by) Shomurodov became the first player from Uzbekistan to work in Serie A, joining Genoa in 2020, then going on to represent Roma, Spezia and Cagliari. He scored seven goals with five assists in 37 competitive appearances for Roma this season, helping them qualify for the Europa League and finish fifth in Serie A. Shomurodov is the captain of Uzbekistan and has 41 goals in 81 senior caps for his country.
