Khusanov and Fazyullaev headline Uzbekistan's World Cup debut week

Cannavaro still searching for that first win

Uzbekistan went down 3–1 to Colombia in the Group K opener. Not the result you wanted. But Fazyullaev gave you a moment that will outlast any scoreline, the nation's first ever World Cup goal. That one matters.

Portugal are next. They are under real pressure, with Cristiano Ronaldo's form drawing scrutiny back home. Cannavaro knows this is the kind of game where a debutant can surprise everyone.

Khusanov and the Taylor subplot

Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov made his feelings clear when Anthony Taylor was appointed referee for the Colombia match. That reaction did not go unnoticed. Cannavaro has kept the squad grounded, he was seen sharing a quiet moment with a young fan invited to training this week. Small things, but they tell you about the atmosphere in camp.

Fan-reaktioner

A story hitting the community hard: a DR Congo super fan was denied a U.S. visa and will miss the Uzbekistan match in Atlanta. The thread has fans from both sides weighing in, mostly frustration at how visas keep real supporters out of the tournament. The mood is sympathetic, and more than a few are pointing out this keeps happening to African fans at every World Cup.