Premier League star in tears consoled by opponent at full time after World Cup hiding
Abdukodir Khusanov was left in tears after Uzbekistan were thrashed by Portugal at the World Cup. The Asian nation were beaten 5-0 in Houston on Tuesday as they suffered a second successive defeat. Khusanov broke down in tears after Uzbekistan were thrashed 5-0 by Portugal Getty It followed their opening loss to Colombia last week to leave Uzbekistan on the brink of elimination. If DR Congo beat…
Abdukodir Khusanov was left in tears after Uzbekistan were thrashed by Portugal at the World Cup.
The Asian nation were beaten 5-0 in Houston on Tuesday as they suffered a second successive defeat.
Khusanov broke down in tears after Uzbekistan were thrashed 5-0 by PortugalGettyIt followed their opening loss to Colombia last week to leave Uzbekistan on the brink of elimination.
If DR Congo beat Colombia, Fabio Cannavaro’s side will be unable to reach the last 32.
They are currently without a point at the bottom of Group K with a goal difference of -7.
As a result, Uzbekistan would need an emphatic victory against DR Congo on Saturday to advance as a best third-placed side if they are not already eliminated.
Emotional defeat
The crushing defeat to Portugal appeared too much for Khusanov following the final whistle.
At full time, the Manchester City defender could be seen in tears as he shook hands with former club teammate Bernardo Silva.
The Portugal midfielder consoled Khusanov, before the 22-year-old wiped away his tears with his shirt.
Silva, who has left City to join Real Madrid on a free transfer, made 38 appearances alongside Khusanov during their time together at the Etihad Stadium.
Uzbekistan are playing at their first ever World Cup finals as an independent nation this summer.
Although they scored their first goal at the tournament against Colombia, they succumbed to a 3-1 defeat in their first fixture.
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They made a terrible start against Portugal as Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring after just six minutes.
His goal saw the 41-year-old become the first player in World Cup history to score at six separate editions of the tournament.
Meanwhile, his second goal after Nuno Mendes had added a strike of his own made Ronaldo his country’s record World Cup scorer with 10 goals.
Rafael Leao added a fifth late on following an own goal from Abduvohid Nematov.
Khusanov’s international career
Despite only turning 22 in February, Khusanov has already won 29 senior caps for Uzbekistan.
The centre-back made his debut aged just 19 back in June 2023 under former manager Srecko Katanec.
Khusanov has played every minute of Uzbekistan’s World Cup campaign so farGettyHe later made three appearances during their run to the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup two years ago.
Khusanov has started both of Uzbekistan’s opening two matches at this summer’s World Cup.
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