On June 20 in Houston, Azamat Hamrokulov, owner of ASR Food Market, one of the largest halal grocery store chains in the United States, prepared plov for Uzbekistani supporters along with his team. While the dish was being prepared, fan club members rehearsed chants and routines they planned to perform at the Uzbekistan vs Portugal match.

Noticing that some had chosen to watch from the sidelines, recording everything on their phones, Nodirjon Tuychiyev could not resist a joke: “Everyone has become a blogger.”

And then added: “You may have money, cars — all of that is yours, God willing. But supporting Uzbekistan is something every one of us must do.”