Uzbekistan got everyone’s attention with a perfect start to their campaign at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™, overcoming Paraguay 2-1 thanks to an inspired move from coach Islom Ismoilov.
In an era when tactical secrets rarely last, the Uzbek head man handed the key role up front to Azizbek Abdumuminov – usually an attacking midfielder who can also play wide – and watched him dominate Paraguay.
Both Ismoilov and Abdumuminov spoke to FIFA about the decision and what the reigning Asian U-17 champions hope to achieve. “We go into every game with two clear objectives: to win for our country and to get the best out of every player,” said the coach. “I have to admit that Abdumuminov was our secret weapon for this match. He was ready both mentally and physically.”
Ismoilov also praised his player’s consistency: “He’s put in the work on the training ground and shown it on the pitch.”
Abdumuminov’s record with the Uzbekistan U-17s hardly pointed to a breakout performance. He had failed to find the back of the net in his previous 13 appearances and had just one start in the continental tournament they won in Saudi Arabia in April.
“He’s a midfielder by trade but versatile enough to adapt to different roles and show what he can do,” said Ismoilov.
As for Abdumuminov, he was all smiles: a perfect start, a brace and the Player of the Match award. “I’m absolutely over the moon. I can’t quite put into words how I feel,” he said. “It’s a team victory. I’m just so grateful to the coaches for giving me the chance to play. Every single one of us put in a great performance.”
Speaking about his natural position and Ismoilov’s decision to deploy him elsewhere, the teen was unequivocal: “I’m incredibly grateful to the coaches for giving me the chance to show what I can do, and I feel like I did that from the word go. I gave it my absolute all and was thrilled to win the Player of the Match award.”
Leaving out Asilbek Aliev, top scorer at the AFC U-17 Asian Cup with four goals, was a bold call. But Abdumuminov has set the bar high for the Central Asian side at Qatar 2025: “We’re here to win the trophy. We know it won’t be easy, but we’ll give everything we’ve got to keep progressing in the tournament and make our country proud.”
A self-described huge fan of Cristiano Ronaldo and Jude Bellingham, Abdumuminov celebrated his first goal by hugging his coach and his second with a nod to the Portuguese legend. He’ll hope for more of the same when Uzbekistan battle the Republic of Ireland for top spot in Group J.
