Bring on Cristiano Ronaldo duel, Tursunov says after helping Lee Man claim League Cup
Dostonbek Tursunov presses claims for Uzbekistan World Cup call with man of the match display in victory over Kitchee
Dostonbek Tursunov put in a colossal performance in Lee Man’s 2-1 League Cup final victory over Kitchee on Tuesday, then outlined his desire for a World Cup meeting with Cristiano Ronaldo this summer.
Capped seven times by Uzbekistan, the 30-year-old centre-back is on a 35-man longlist that head coach Fabio Cannavaro, the former Italy defender, will strip back to 26 for a tournament where his team are grouped with Ronaldo’s Portugal, Colombia and DR Congo.
Named man of the match, Tursunov was instrumental in Lee Man repelling a Kitchee side that dominated possession but was undone by two razor-sharp second-half finishes from Everton Camargo and Noah Baffoe.
Asier Illarramendi’s deflected 63rd-minute header gave Kitchee hope but the expected siege on Chan Ka-ho’s goal never materialised.
“I think Cannavaro was watching today’s game online, so I hope it was good from me,” Tursunov said. “I have a chance of going because some defenders have injuries, but it’s the coach’s choice.
“I am trying hard in every game and waiting to play against Cristiano Ronaldo.”