In Tashkent in the framework of the AFC Futsal Championship, the quarterfinal match between Uzbekistan and Iraq took place in the sports complex “Uzbekistan”. Our team won a landslide victory over the Iraqi team with the score of 3:0. As a result, the Uzbek futsal national team reached the semi-finals of Asian futsal competition, becoming the first team who qualified for the World Cup to be held in Colombia in September-October 2016.
In his interview to the correspondent of Jahon Information Agency the mentor of our national team, Jose Maria Pazos Mendez shared his assessments of the game with Iraq’s futsal players and expectations before the semi-final match against Thailand.
– This game was very hard for us. Each half passed in a very tense atmosphere. Opponents have created a lot of dangerous moments in front of gates of our goalkeeper Rustam Umarov. Our expectations were met, and we got a ticket to the FIFA Futsal Cup in Colombia.
Now the main goal is achieved, and my players can perform without bug pressure in the semifinals. After all, earlier the whole country was waiting for us at this stage exit, since this achievement allowed Uzbekistan national team to qualify for the futsal world championship.
As far as our opponent in the semifinals is the national team of Thailand, we are fully prepared for this meeting and set up only to win.
It should be noted that the Thai national team has high speed and professional quality. The staff of this team is full of players whose skills are at a high level.
The main thing for us – to show a perfect game in defense and attack.
Photocorrespondent of Jahon Information Agency presents a series of exclusive photos, which captured the most striking moments of significant event.