2026 World Cup: Why we lost 5-0 to Portugal – Uzbekistan coach, Cannavaro

Uzbekistan head coach Fabio Cannavaro has taken full responsibility for the 5-0 loss to Portugal.

The 2026 World Cup debutants were eliminated after their second Group K match.

Following the game, Cannavaro praised the players’ efforts and blamed himself for the tactical decisions.

He also said that a disallowed goal by Azizjon Ganiev at 2-0 had impacted the team’s confidence.

“All my life I have taken responsibility, as a player and as a coach. If we lost 5-0, it is because today I made mistakes, and not them (the players),” Cannavaro told reporters.

“This is our first time at the World Cup. I told the players that they can misplace a pass and make mistakes. Because I must give them the confidence to try and improve.”