Neftchi forward and Uzbekistan international Alisher Odilov spoke to Sports.uz about missing out on Uzbekistan’s World Cup squad under Fabio Cannavaro, his return from Russia and the form that made him believe he had a real chance of going to the tournament.
The 24-year-old Uzbek striker has long been regarded as one of the country’s most promising attacking players. He was part of Uzbekistan’s first-ever Olympic football team before moving to Russian club Khimki. But he failed to establish himself there and returned home after just six months.
For Odilov, however, that return was not a step backwards. Quite the opposite. First at Navbahor and then at Neftchi, the forward, eager to prove himself again, reached a new level. Last season, he registered 11 assists and scored five goals in 29 Super League matches, helping the Fergana side win the title. He also earned a call-up to the national team.
This season, Odilov has already recorded three goals and three assists in 10 matches. He had every reason to expect a place in Fabio Cannavaro’s World Cup squad. But it did not happen.
— How did you find out that you were not in Fabio Cannavaro’s squad?
— I expected the squad to be announced a little earlier. I was almost certain I would go to the World Cup. When I did not see my name, everything inside me felt heavy. It was very painful. It was my childhood dream.
If a footballer does not have confidence, it is difficult for him to play. But it means it was not meant to be. It was hard to accept. The World Cup comes only once every four years. Now I have to work even harder.
— When you were called up to the national team under Timur Kapadze, you scored in a friendly. Did you think at that point that you could make the final squad?
— Honestly, I did not even think about it. But I hoped, because I was confident in myself.
— What do you expect from the national team?
— I wish our national team good luck. I think getting out of the group is realistic.
— Why do you think Fabio Cannavaro did not include you in the squad? Was it about tactics, movement or the coach’s criteria?
— I cannot say. There must be a reason for it too. Nothing happens for no reason. Maybe it is for the better. Cannavaro probably knows the reason himself; I cannot speak for him. If I get the chance, I will ask.