Uzbekistan count down to World Cup debut with development the goal

Uzbekistan will make their World Cup debut next year with a focus on the future instead of immediate results as the team seek to establish themselves on the global stage, one of the country's senior officials told Reuters.

Uzbekistan FA Vice-President Ravshan Irmatov is no stranger to the World Cup, having refereed at three finals, but believes their long-awaited qualification is merely the latest step in the country's football development.

"Qualifying for the World Cup has been a dream for 38 million people for 34 years," Irmatov said. "You can understand how important it was for the Uzbek nation, we waited so long.

"We must enjoy the World Cup. This is our first time and you cannot put a high target or high goal because it puts pressure on the players and the coach. They have to be very calm, prepare well and then the results have to come.

"Our main target is development, not looking for the best result like the big football nations put in front of themselves.

"We are a country that is behind the developed football countries. The development is going fast now and we hope a good development strategy and plan means the time will come when we can put higher targets."

QUALIFICATION AFTER SEVEN ATTEMPTS

Uzbekistan's first qualification comes after seven attempts to secure a finals spot since the country was granted FIFA membership in 1994 following the break up of the Soviet Union.

There have been several near-misses but the expansion of the tournament from 32 to 48 teams coupled with the federation's development work means the Central Asians qualified for the finals in the U.S., Canada and Mexico with a degree of comfort.

Slovenian coach Srecko Katanec guided a team built primarily on home-based talent to the cusp of the finals