Uzbekistan dump coach Abramov

Uzbekistan have dumped coach Vadim Abramov after a losing start to the final phase of World Cup qualifying, a report said on Wednesday. The mustachioed Abramov was replaced by Bunyodkor manager Mirjalol Kasimov, a former star of the national team, after Sunday's controversial 1-0 loss to Iran, according to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) site. Uzbekistan were denied an apparent goal when the ball seemed to cross the line, unseen by the officials. Iran's Mohammad Khalatbari scored a breakaway goal in the dying seconds to win the match. Abramov also oversaw Uzbekistan's failed attempt to reach this year's Olympic football competition. A source in Uzbekistan said Kasimov would continue working with Uzbek champions Bunyodkor as well as the national team in a dual role. Uzbekistan play Lebanon on Friday and they are also drawn against South Korea and Qatar in Group A. The top two qualify automatically for Brazil 2014 and the third team go into a play-off.