Uruguay Beats Uzbekistan 2-1 in Malaysia Friendly – World Cup Stakes

By Sfiso Masuku On 14 Oct, 2025 Comments (6)

When Uruguay national football team faced Uzbekistan national football team at Hang Jebat Stadium in Melaka, Malaysia on 13 October 2025, the South Americans clinched a 2‑1 win in a high‑profile International Friendly. The match, broadcast live across Asia and South America, gave both sides a chance to fine‑tune tactics before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which each nation has already booked a spot for.

Background and stakes

Both federations entered the friendly with divergent goals. Uzbekistan Football Federation – headquartered in Tashkent – saw the game as a litmus test for the squad that secured Asia’s lone qualifying slot earlier this year. Their president, Rustam Juraev, told local media that the team wanted to prove its recent rise wasn’t a fluke.

Meanwhile, the Asociación Uruguaya de Fútbol used the clash to assess depth. Head coach Marcelo Bielas opted for a roster stripped of stars like Federico Valverde, Darwin Núñez and Ronald Araújo, focusing on players who ply their trade in South American leagues or are on the periphery of European clubs. The approach mirrored Uruguay’s strategy in the previous friendly against the Dominican Republic on 10 October 2025, where keeper Christopher Fiermarin made four crucial saves in a 1‑0 win.

Match‑day details

The atmosphere at Hang Jebat Stadium – a 40,000‑seat arena that regularly hosts concerts and rugby – was electric. Fans from both diaspora communities gathered in the shaded stands, waving the blue‑white‑red of Uzbekistan and the sky‑blue of Uruguay.

Uruguay drew first blood in the 51st minute. Facundo Torres pounced on a pinpoint pass from F. Viñas, slotting the ball past the Uzbek keeper. Ten minutes later, Juan Manuel Sanabria added a second, curling a low drive into the bottom corner after another assist from Viñas.

Uzbekistan refused to fold. Coach Rustam Juraev introduced fresh legs at half‑time, swapping out midfielder I. Laquintana for K. Amaro. The breakthrough came in the 82nd minute when Ruslanbek Jiyanov met a through‑ball from R. Jiyanov (the same surname, no relation) and smashed it home, narrowing the gap to 2‑1.

Key moments and player performances

Torres’ goal highlighted Uruguay’s typical South American flair – quick footwork, an eye for space, and a finishing touch that felt practiced. Sanabria, at only 22, demonstrated poise beyond his years, hinting at a possible permanent place in Bielas’s senior lineup.

For Uzbekistan, Jiyanov’s strike was a reminder of the club‑level dynamism he brings from his domestic side, Pakhtakor. His timing and composure under pressure earned him the player‑of‑the‑match accolade from the local press.

Substitutions in the final quarter – notably Uzbekistan’s K. Norchaev for K. Erkinov and D. Saitov for K. Alizhonov – showcased depth but also a lack of experience in high‑tempo matches against elite opposition.

Coaches’ perspectives and tactical takeaways

After the final whistle, Bielas praised his youngsters, noting that “the bench performed with the intensity of a starting XI”. He admitted the absence of Valverde and Núñez meant the team had to rely on collective movement rather than individual brilliance.

Juraev, on the other hand, highlighted the need for greater defensive solidity. He said, “We held our own for 80 minutes, but the gaps we left allowed those sharp Uruguay attacks. That’s a learning curve before Qatar 2026.” Both coaches agreed the match served its intended purpose: to expose strengths and expose weaknesses.

Implications for World Cup preparation

Uruguay enters the World Cup with a refreshed pool of players who have tasted international action together. The 2‑1 win, while not a tournament result, builds confidence and offers Bielas options for rotating the squad in the grueling June‑July schedule.

Uzbekistan, meanwhile, can take pride in narrowing the margin against a two‑time World Champion. The performance fuels belief that the “White Wolves” can compete with the best, especially if they tighten up at the back. The federation has already slated further friendlies against Japan and Saudi Arabia later in 2025, aiming to fine‑tune the defensive shape. Historical context of the rivalry

Historical context of the rivalry

These two nations have never faced each other in a competitive fixture; their only previous meeting was a friendly in 2019 that ended 0‑0. The 2025 showdown, therefore, marked the first time the “White Wolves” tested themselves against a traditional powerhouse.

Both teams have grown dramatically over the past decade. Uzbekistan climbed from the Asian qualifiers’ second round to a direct World Cup berth, while Uruguay has consistently stayed in the top four of CONMEBOL, amassing exactly 28 points in the 2025 qualifying campaign.

In short, the match in Malaysia was more than a warm‑up – it was a crossroads where Asian discipline met South American artistry, offering a glimpse of how each side might perform on football’s biggest stage next summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Uruguay’s win affect their World Cup group prospects?

The victory reinforces Uruguay’s depth, giving coach Bielas confidence to rotate players without sacrificing quality. It doesn’t change the group draw, but a cohesive bench could be vital in the demanding group stage.

What lessons can Uzbekistan take from the friendly?

Uzbekistan’s coaches noted defensive lapses that allowed Uruguay’s quick transitions. Improving spacing between the back line and midfield, as well as sharpening set‑piece defense, will be priorities before the next friendlies.

Why were Uruguay’s star players absent?

Federico Valverde, Darwin Núñez and Ronald Araújo were with their clubs during the autumn international break. Bielas used the window to evaluate fringe players and avoid fatigue among the first‑team regulars.

When is Uzbekistan’s next preparatory match?

The Uzbekistan Football Federation has scheduled a friendly against Japan on 28 November 2025, followed by a clash with Saudi Arabia in early January 2026, as part of their final World Cup tune‑up.

Where can fans watch the upcoming Uruguay friendlies?

Uruguay’s next friendlies – against the Dominican Republic and later Chile – will be streamed on ESPN+ in the U.S., while South American viewers can tune in via TyC Sports and local broadcasters.