Uzbekistan qualified for its debut soccer World Cup on Thursday night, becoming the first ever Central Asian country to make it to the sport’s global showpiece.

Uzbekistan qualified for the World Cup finals for the first time at the eighth attempt after a 0-0 draw with the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi on Thursday. Goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov made a trio of

Uzbekistan, who ranked 96th just one place above India in 2018, officially booked their spot at the FIFA World Cup for the first time, thanks to their resolute defensive play against the United Arab Emirates on Friday in Abu Dhabi.