The Uzbeks, coached by Mirdjalol Kasimov, kick off their training with a camp in Israel (18-29 December) during which period they will also play three friendlies.

A camp in Turkey (5-18 January 2009) is scheduled next. The team will play five friendlies, including one against the Jordan national team on 8 January, during their stay.

The scene then shifts to the UAE for Kasimov’s men where they will camp from 21 January till 2 February. Their AFC Asian Cup opening qualifier against the UAE is scheduled during this period on 28 January.

The Central Asians then move to the capital of Uzbekistan and undergo rigorous training from 4-10 February, before taking on Bahrain in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier on 11 February 2009.