Cannavaro: We Must Stop Luis Díaz and Show the World the True Uzbekistan

Ahead of Uzbekistan's opening Group K match against Colombia at the World Cup, Uzbekistan head coach Fabio Cannavaro spoke to the media during the pre-match press conference. He emphasized that his team must pay special attention to Luis Díaz and said he would share his World Cup experience with the players.

Tomorrow's opener will be played at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. How many memories does this stadium hold for you?
"As an Italian, I have many unforgettable memories here. We played Germany in the semifinal at this stadium, and we also lost a final here. The moment you step onto the pitch, you get goosebumps. Diego Maradona played on this very field, and I truly cherish the opportunity to be here. Ever since I was a child, I dreamed of playing and enjoying football in this stadium. It is undoubtedly one of the three most iconic stadiums in the world."

With Colombia and Portugal in the same group, what special preparations has the team made for tomorrow's match?
"Both Colombia and Portugal are among the world's top teams, and Luis Díaz is a world-class player. Facing opponents of this caliber is always extremely difficult because they can change the course of a match at any moment. We must pay special attention to him tomorrow, and I have done extensive analysis in preparation for this game.

"This Colombian team fights until the very last minute. Their defensive line is strong, their full-backs are excellent at joining the attack, and their midfielders are capable of making forward runs and scoring goals. Overall, they are a very balanced and complete team. For us, tomorrow's match will be an extremely tough challenge."

What can the world expect from Uzbekistan at the 2026 World Cup?
"Our biggest goal is to show the world our national character, our football philosophy, and the true spirit of Uzbekistan. As head coach, my perspective is different because I have to take care of every aspect of the team.

"I will share all the experience I gained from my first World Cup with the players and tell them to cherish every moment of this journey. Whether we are playing in Mexico or in the United States, this is, after all, the greatest football tournament in the world."