Abdukodir Khusanov didn't wait for the story to spiral. After accidentally sending a cameraman to hospital during Uzbekistan's World Cup debut against Colombia, the Manchester City defender had a signed jersey delivered to him bearing two words: "I am sorry."
The incident happened in the first half of Wednesday's Group K opener. Khusanov challenged Luis Diaz near the touchline, missed, and collided with a broadcast camera operator. The cameraman received treatment on the spot before being taken to hospital. Khusanov picked up a yellow card. Uzbekistan lost 3-1.
The right response to a bad moment
Plenty of players would have moved on. Khusanov didn't. The Uzbekistan Football Association confirmed that federation representatives visited the cameraman and presented Khusanov's signed shirt, along with his personal wishes for a speedy recovery. Not a PR statement dressed up as concern — an actual visit, an actual shirt, an actual message.
It matters, especially given the context. This was Uzbekistan's first-ever World Cup match. The pressure on every player in that squad — to perform, to represent a nation making history — was real. Khusanov still made time for this.
The 22-year-old has been one of Uzbekistan's standout performers on the road to this tournament, earning his move from Lens to Manchester City off the back of consistent defensive displays. Under Fabio Cannavaro, he's the kind of leader this young squad is being built around.
Tough opener, bigger picture
The 3-1 defeat to Colombia was always going to be a steep ask for a side playing their first-ever World Cup game. Diaz caused problems all night — Khusanov's booking came trying to stop him, which tells you something about the task he was handed.
Uzbekistan still have two group matches to turn this around. Whether they can is another question. But the character Khusanov showed off the pitch — taking accountability without being asked — is exactly what you want from a player who's supposed to lead a back line on the world's biggest stage.
The cameraman, at least, is in better spirits. The Uzbek federation confirmed he received the shirt. No further update on his condition was given.
