Rustam Ashurmatov
CB
Driving Centre Back
Jul 7, 1996 (30)
Right
6'1"
187 lb
Nine clearances, four interceptions
Ashurmatov logged nine clearances and four interceptions during Uzbekistan's 3-1 loss Saturday to DR Congo.
Analysis: Once again, Uzbekistan's defense was busy, as is expected for a relatively unproven team. For the World Cup, nine clearances indicate Ashurmatov's tournament-high. So do his four clearances, and he doubled the tally every game. Overall, Ashurmatov logged 23 clearances, seven interceptions, two tackles won and one block. Unfortunately for him, the Uzbeks losing all their group-stage games means his WC is over.
Eight clearances vs. Portugal
Ashurmatov registered two tackles (two won), eight clearances and two interceptions in Tuesday's 5-0 defeat against Portugal.
Analysis: Ashurmatov was busy throughout the entire match, but despite the 5-0 loss,at least he was busy defensively and racked up stats. Still, it's hard to trust any of the Uzbekistan defenders in fantasy since they've allowed eight goals in two matches. Ashurmatov looked completely recovered from the calf issue that forced him to depart the opener against Colombia, and he should be healthy enough to feature in the group-stage finale against DR Congo on Saturday.
Appears ready for Portugal
Ashurmatov (calf) appears to be ready for Tuesday's match against Portugal after talking to Zamin.uz about preparations for the contest. "We have recovered day by day. Today we started preparing for Portugal. We are improving tactically and physically. We will use all our capabilities on the pitch. We won't give a hundred percent, we will give a thousand percent."
Analysis: Ashurmatov looked to come off with a calf injury in Uzbekistan's opener, but is now looking to have already recovered after talking about training preparations. This is good news for the team after he started in their opener and is expected to start in their next contest. He then should remain in that role to face Portugal if he has recovered, recording six clearances before his exit in the opener.
Forced off with calf issue
Ashurmatov was forced off in the 77th minute of Wednesday's 3-1 defeat against Colombia due to a calf issue.
Analysis: Ashurmatov delivered a composed defensive display in Tuesday's 1-3 defeat to Colombia before being forced off in the second half with a calf problem, replaced by Jakhongir Urozov, having contributed seven clearances and one interception as the left centre-back in Uzbekistan's back three in what was a physically demanding outing against Colombia's direct and powerful attacking unit. The centre-back was one of Uzbekistan's more composed defenders in the first half and his seven clearances were the most of any Uzbek player on the pitch, but his injury represents a significant concern for a squad already stretched defensively heading into their remaining group fixtures against Portugal and Congo. His availability for the next match will be monitored closely, with Urozov likely to start in his place if Ashurmatov is unable to recover in time.
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