Khusanov joy as Uzbekistan seal historic World Cup qualification | OneFootball

Abdukodir Khusanov and an entire nation are celebrating this evening after Uzbekistan qualified for the World Cup for the first time.

The City defender produced a typically stoic, committed performance as the Uzbeks held the United Arab Emirates to a goalless draw and claim the point the needed for next summer’s tournament.

It’s a huge moment for the young City defender, still only 21,  who gave a mature and focused display at the heart of the Uzbek back three.

In a game of few chances at the Al-Nahyan Stadium, the UAE could not find a way past the navy blue wall in front of them as Timur Kapadze’s side stuck to their game plan.

Uzbekistan knew that a clean sheet would guarantee at least a point against a UAE side who could have moved within a point of the Uzbeks with a victory.

Khusanov’s side had to endure eight minutes of added time before the referee finally called a halt to proceedings in Abu Dhabi.

Though the hosts pressed for a late winner, none of their six shots on target found the back of the net and the game ended 0-0, resulting in scenes of joy among the Uzbek players, officials and fans, not to mention on the streets of Tashkent where the celebrations are expected to last long into the evening.

Uzbekistan join group winners Iran in confirming qualification – with just eight nations so far guaranteed a place in the tournament that will played in the USA, Canada and Mexico. next summer

The Uzbeks have been dreaming of World Cup qualification for the past 27 years, with their quest beginning in 1998 and seeing several near and painful misses along the way.

'The White Wolves' will wrap up their group games against Qatar on 10 June in Tashkent.

Congratulations to Kodir from everyone at Manchester City on this momentous day for Uzbekistan football.