Following the Turkmenistan - Uzbekistan (1:2) match in the second round of the CAFA Nations Cup, national team head coach Timur Kapadze and forward Igor Sergeev held a press conference for media representatives.
- I congratulate everyone on the victory. It was a very meaningful and competitive game. I also express my special gratitude to our players," said Timur Kapadze after the match.
Igor Sergeev added:
- I agree with our head coach. The game was under our control. Only a certain difficulty arose after the sending-off. In the next match, we will try to take advantage of the opportunity and score more goals.
During the press conference, questions from fans were also asked.
- What is the reason for the low attendance of fans at the matches of the team that qualified for the World Cup?
- It's difficult to find a definite answer. This may be due to the fact that the new stadium has been built, is located a little far from the city, and public transport problems. But the stadium is perfectly built. We're still grateful to the fans who came," said Kapadze.
The coach also emphasized that in today's match, opportunities were given to players with less playing time. According to him, in the next match - against the Kyrgyz Republic - the main squad and foreign players can also be used.
- It was important for us to see players tested in the reserve team. Such games allow for the testing of players. In the following matches, Shomurodov, Fayzullayev, and other foreign players may play," he said.
Timur Kapadze also touched upon the tactical changes:
- We had a clear plan and changed the scheme. We had a good first half. In the second half, we brought in new players to increase the power of the game. The red card affected the game. In a penalty situation, one could have acted "smarter." In general, we prepared for both sections.
Igor Sergeev was asked an interesting question about himself.
- Today you scored your 23rd goal for the national team and scored a brace for the fourth time. Do you think scoring a brace is easier than scoring a single goal?
- I didn't think about it. For me, the main thing is to be useful to the national team. If it's better to pass, I will definitely pass. Following the head coach's instructions is paramount. One goal or two - it doesn't matter, scoring a goal for the national team always gives you a good mood," said Sergeev.
Information about the health of the team members was also presented at the press conference.
"Otabek Shukurov has almost fully recovered and has been partially reinstated today. Aziz Ganiev is also on the verge of returning to the field. "Although some players have come with minor injuries, they will be ready for the next matches," said Kapadze.
With this, the press conference concluded. Our national team's next match will be against the Kyrgyz Republic.
In short, the willpowerful 1:2 victory over Turkmenistan became the next stage of planning, rotation, and character testing. Now it's time for the match against the Kyrgyz Republic: the return of foreign players, the breathing of the schemes, and increasing goal effectiveness - these are the main tasks. And another message to the stands: although the road to the new stadium is long, the team feels your support - every applause and flag makes our path in CAFA even clearer.
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