That’s six times the average wage in the country.

The Uzbeks’ 3-0 defeat suffered in Doha against Qatar has been a shock to the system for the country’s football family.

Certainly a home match against in-form Australia on Wednesday (Thursday AEST) was the last thing the Uzbeks needed after Doha.

Never in their wildest dreams did the ambitious Uzbeks expect to be in such a precarious position so early in the final qualifying campaign.

Uzbekistan coach Rauf Inileev has called on the country’s fans to throw their full support behind the national team as it strives to stay in the race for a spot in the finals in South Africa.

"I urge the football people in this country to understand that this is national pride we are talking about," Inileev said.

"We hope to have a big crowd tomorrow to support us because I am sure that if the supporters do that we will do a better job on the field than we did in Doha."

Inileev refuted suggestions that his team were under intense pressure to stay alive in the competition.

"Every match has its own pressure and tomorrow’s against Australia is no different," Inileev said.

"No matter the importance of the match I promise we will play our best football against the Socceroos."

Uzbekistan however will have to do it without striker Aleksandr Geynrikh, who picked up a yellow card at the weekend in Doha and is suspended, increasing the pressure on captain and striker Maksim Shatskikh, who had a poor match against the Qataris.

Inileev, in stark contrast to Pim Verbeek who held his media conference half an hour earlier at the Uzbekistan Football federation headquarters, had no qualms about expressing his sincere views on the match.

He made it clear that he thought big striker Josh Kennedy posed the biggest threat to his defence.

"I watched a DVD of the team’s match against South Africa in London and I enjoyed the performance of the No 9 Kennedy," Inileev said.

"It was a very solid game from the big man and apart from scoring a goal he was very useful for the team.

"I also liked Mark Schwarzer, who is a very skilful an experienced goalkeeper, and of course Harry Kewell."

The match on Thursday kicks off at 8.30pm local time (Thursday 1.30am AEST).