UZB vs RUS FIH Series Final Best Dream 11 Team: Facing mammoth defeats in their tournament openers, Uzbekistan and Russia turn to each other for solace
A tournament which was supposed to be their best chance in years of making the qualifiers for the Japan 2020 Olympics has ended up charting out in the worst possible fashion for Russia and Uzbekistan. The two sides where cleaned out in their tournament opener on Thursday, pummelled by massive margins to make their match against each other today a knock-out.
It was not just the defeat but the manner in which both these sides were defeated which quashes their chances of progressing from Pool A. While Russia were obliterated 10-0 by India who wrecked havoc among their defence, Uzbekistan hardly fared better. Poland made light work of them, cleaning them apart with ease in a clinical 4-0 win to decimate them on opening day.
With India and Poland heavy favourites to ease through from this pool now on the back of those performances, the onus to come out with a win couldn’t be any more colossal for both these sides. Another defeat today from the Kalinga Stadium will bring an end to their tournament and with it pour water on their chances of going through to the prestigious qualifiers.
Probable Winner
Ranked 43 in the world, for Uzbekistan this tournament was always supposed to be a step too big to make. They were taught a harsh but expected lesson by Poland in a match where they were never able to lay their claim towards a win.
For world ranking 22 Russia, the advent into the FIH Series Final was if possible worse than Uzbekistan. A resurgent Indian team under new tutelage were engrossing to watch, walking all over them 10-0 to leave Russia tattered. They’ll be hurting and looking to make amends for their worst defeat in the past couple of years and Uzbekistan is just the opposition they were looking for.
It’s an encounter which promises to be close. One thing which their opening matches made clear was that either defence is at best paper thin. Goals will be scored today and we envision Russia managing to scrape by in the end on the virtue of their better attack.
Goal-Keeper for UZB vs RUS Dream11
A total of 4 goal-keepers with three coming out with negative points from Thursday’s set of fixtures. It’s an aberration which leaves us with just the one tangible choice in Russia’s Sardor Uzokov and he’s the pick we are going to select for this match.
Defenders for UZB vs RUS Dream11
We are going to pick up the bare minimum needed of 3 defenders in this facet with us continuing to repose faith in Russia. India were a totally different proposition but come Uzbekistan, Russia will be looking to establish themselves against their neighbours.
Iaroslav Loginov and Denis are going to be the two players we’ll be selecting from Russia. Loginov was in particular, impressive against India during his side’s misdemeanour, refusing to throw away tools. From Uzbekistan we are going to pick Golib Kalandarov to come up and complete our defence.
Midfielders for UZB vs RUS Dream11
The identity in this part of our Dream 11 side is going to be the two midfielders from each country. We’ll begin with Uzbekistan and in come Khakimboy Khakimov and Ruslan Satlikov. In a match against Poland where everything fell apart for the side, these two refused to give up their due processes. The tackling from the pair was sensational, trying their best in the defensive pivot to stem any attacks Poland tried to craft their way.
Russia will be represented by Dmitry and Georgii. Georgii was a pleasant surprise for us last time around, coming into our side for just 8 credits and putting in a terrific showing. His 20 points tally see us accord the same level of expectations yet again.
Forwards for UZB vs RUS Dream11
We gave this department a long and hard consideration and in the end have decided to pick up the two man Russian partnership. Marat Khairullin and Pavel Golubev are both picked up by us with us expecting the two to repeat their relentless guile and trickery which has seen Russian climb the pinnacle of world hockey recently.
Oybek comes in from Uzbekistan given how he managed to fruitfully lead the line against Poland. Despite getting next to no service, he managed to conjure up moves and win possession of the ball, something he’ll be at again against Russia.
Captain And Vice-Captain
We are going to make the two strikers captain and vice-captain for this match. Marat from Russia is our captain while Uzbekistan’s Oybek is our vice-captain.
Match Details
FIH Series Final, Match 5
Match: Russia Vs Uzbekistan
Date And Time: 7th June, Friday- 5:00pm IST
Venue: Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar
