Suzuki, who led a Special Mission Team (SMT) to help the Central Asian country qualify for the 2012 edition of the continent’s premier club championship AFC Champions League (ACL), said:

“I am very happy to see your U-17 team qualify for R16 at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Mexico.

“I believe that this is a reward for your investment in youth football and they will be critical assets for Uzbekistan football in the near future.

“If we can continue this and work hard, we will make our dream 'The World Champions from Asia' come true.”

Uzbekistan defied predictions by defeating USA as well as Czech Republic and finished on top of Group D to advance to the second stage. It is set to clash with fellow Asians Australia on July 3.

Suzuki, who is also the AFC’s Professional Football Project Director, was speaking during a Club Workshop held on Tuesday after the SMT completed its 12-day mission in Uzbekistan.

About six representatives from 14 clubs which are eyeing the ACL 2012 attended the Club Workshop.

At the beginning of the workshop, Suzuki said he appreciated the opportunity to meet all the clubs at one place to share their experience and knowledge as well as discuss how to develop professional football in Uzbekistan.

“During our inspection, I could feel the passion and enthusiasm for football from you and I trust that it will be able to convert your dream to reality.

“We are here in Uzbekistan not only for our inspection and assessment but also to give assistance to the development of football in Uzbekistan,” he said.

Farhad Mazametov, the Uzbekistan Professional Football League Managing Director, thanked Suzuki and the SMT for their hard work during the inspection.

“I trust that the Club Workshop will be beneficial to all of our clubs to understand more about professionalism and ACL 2012 criteria,” he said.

The AFC sends SMTs all over the continent throughout a year to help the visited member association’s league facilities and clubs qualify for the next edition of the annual ACL competition.