Khusanov recorded two tackles (one won) and three clearances in Wednesday's 3-1 defeat to Colombia. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 34th minute.
Analysis:
Khusanov was Uzbekistan's defensive leader in Wednesday's 1-3 defeat to Colombia, operating as the right centre-back in a back three and registering two tackles (one won), four clearances and an authoritative aerial presence that kept Luis Suarez largely quiet throughout the match despite Colombia's dominance. The Manchester City centre-back received a yellow card for a foul on Luis Diaz in the first half, a booking that will leave him just one caution away from suspension and will require careful management in the remaining group games against Portugal and Congo. His physicality, reading of the game and experience at the highest club level make him Uzbekistan's most important individual defensive asset heading into the remainder of the tournament, and his ability to marshal the backline against Portugal's attacking threats will be central to any upset Uzbekistan can produce.
