In a conference to assess performances over the past 12 months, Uzbekistan Football Federation President Usmanov said the body achieved its goals in 2008 thanks to encouraging performances from juniors and the national team.

“We successfully staged the AFC U16 Championship, our U19 boys qualified for the FIFA U20 World Cup and the Uzbek national team still have a chance of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2010,” said Usmanov.

“We must now work hard in 2009 and try to make the national teams stronger and improve Uzbek clubs.”

The Uzbek national team easily reached the fourth and final round of Asian qualifying for the FIFA World Cup, beating Saudi Arabia 3-0 in the process.

In the fourth round, they have lost two and drawn one and are bottom of Group A. However, they can finish third in the five-team group and still qualify for South Africa through play-offs.

Uzbekistan also have two clubs in the new AFC Champions League: Bunyodkor and Pakhtakor.