Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov has presented a World Cup cameraman with a signed Uzbekistan shirt after accidentally colliding with him during their opening fixture against Colombia.
The 22-year-old charged into a challenge with Luis Diaz along the touchline and was unable to check his run, sending a camera operator tumbling to the ground. Khusanov received a booking for the late challenge as medical staff and assistants rushed to the stricken individual to assess his condition.
The Uzbekistan FA subsequently revealed the thoughtful gesture made by Khusanov in the aftermath of the incident via an Instagram post.
The caption accompanying their post read: "The Uzbekistan National Team played its first FIFA World Cup match against Colombia yesterday. During the game, defender Abdukodir Khusanov was involved in an accidental collision with a broadcast camera operator while challenging for the ball near the touchline. Representatives of the Uzbekistan Football Association visited the operator to check on his condition and presented him with a special jersey signed by Abdukodir Khusanov. The defender also conveyed his sincere wishes for a speedy recovery and sent his regards to the operator."
Uzbekistan ultimately fell to a 3-1 defeat and now face an uphill battle to reach the knockout stages, with Portugal and DR Congo both having already claimed a point apiece. That draw proved particularly frustrating for Roberto Martinez's side, with star player Cristiano Ronaldo unable to make his mark. Bruno Fernandes likewise underwhelmed, with Ronaldo's sister liking a social media post that criticised his performance.
The family of another leading World Cup star has also made headlines, with Lionel Messi's father, Jorge, recovering from a health issue, as confirmed in a statement. The Argentina captain appeared visibly emotional after netting the first of three goals against Algeria, later revealing he had been in tears immediately following his opening strike.
France, Germany and the USA also secured commanding victories earlier in the tournament, while England defeated Croatia 4-2 on Wednesday evening. The Three Lions face Ghana next after their dramatic late victory over Panama, with a draw highly likely to see both nations progress to the knockout stages.
