Uzbekistan Coach Radmanovic Satisfied with Draw against Iran
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Uzbekistan’s Vlado Radmanovic is satisfied after seeing its side played to a goalless draw in their AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26 Group A tie on Thursday.
The top of the table clash was fiercely contested but similar to their two meetings in the second round of the qualifiers, there was to be no winner.
Radmanovic, who took charge as head coach as Srecko Katanec was indisposed, was pleased to see Uzbekistan navigate what he considered the toughest match in the group, with its sights now set on the upcoming games.
“It was a difficult match as Iran are one of the strongest in Asia,” said Radmanovic. “There are not many chances in such matches. We have passed another game with seven more matches ahead of us.
“One of our main players, Oston Orunov, was injured. He was able to play at first, but as kickoff approached, he wasn't ready as his leg was hurting.
“We don't have many attacking players like that. We could have made changes in the center of the field and in the center of defense, but the plan we prepared for the match did not work well.”